http://www.care2.com/greenliving/stinging-caterpillars-cute-fuzzybut-itchy.html
Stinging Caterpillars: Cute, Fuzzy…but Itchy
‘Tis the season where little ones discover a world full of creepy, crawly things in the backyard and the playground. Centipedes, inchworms, and caterpillars make great finds for anyone’s bug catcher, but know that there are several creatures to beware of.
Several types of caterpillars can cause a very ugly reaction because of their stinging hairs. The good news is that only a few of the thousands of variety of caterpillars sting. However, if you come across a stinger, be careful of its hairs, which once embedded in skin, release toxins that cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including a poison ivy-like rash, a severe burning sensation, and swelling. Hypersensitive reactions can include severe swelling, difficulty breathing, and a generalized system reaction.
If you spot any of the following critters, admire from afar; do not pick them up. If you find one of these on your clothing, remove immediately using some kind of barrier such as thick gloves and a towel you can discard.
1. The Saddleback caterpillar is brown in the front and rear, and has a very noticeable green “saddle” on its back, with a purplish-brown spot in the middle. There are prominent horns on the front and rear. Saddlebacks tend to feed on the underside of leaves, and are typically found on oak, cherry, plum, chestnut, and basswood trees. They are sometimes found on corn as well.
Next: The Puss Caterpillar
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35 comments
add your comment »Oops, it's better not to touch them!
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Thanks for the info.
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I never touch bugs, thank god.
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We dont have caterpillars around here. The monarchs are wonderful and I miss them from California!
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Two things thanks for the great mosquito barrier tip that's a wonderful product and i've been looking for something that will allow my Mom to spend time outside. She attracts a ridiculous number of them and I think that's awesome that they have an all natural product that doesn't disuage good insects. Reading this article I can't help but love the diversity of this world. They may be dangerous but those catepillars are beautiful and I love to see new varieties of animals. :-) And I'm glad to see that this information is being spread, cause I know how frustrating it can be to need some information and not be able to get your hands on it. For bug bites though a great natural cure to reduce swelling and itch in addition to ice, is banana peels and onions just rub them right on the wound. Works better used right after the bug bite and before you start scratching (onion juice will burn if the skin is broken).
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It is so interesting that I came across this post. About a month ago I got a call from my sister saying she had been bitten by a caterpillar. She has a young son so we drove over to keep an eye on him in case anything should happen. She was searching the internet for answers and even contacted the emergency room who literally laughed when she told them. I will be sure to pass this along to her because the caterpillar that was in her home is the second one on this list. Thank you for the information
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I found a wonderful repellant for fire ants that works. It is called Mosquito Barrier. You actually spray it in your yard to repel Mosquitos but it also gets rid of fire ants(not other ants as I can attest to) It works. It gets rid of many insects(not kill them just repels them and they go running off somewhere else). It is PURE Garlic juice and believe me it smells to high heaven. Very strong Garlic smell for about 24 hours but then the smell disappears, but the mosquito barrier works for about 4 weeks. Keeps the mosquitos to a minimum. Beneficial insects are not harmed(I also checked on this one also). You can order it online. Just google Mosquito barrier or fire ants and the site will come up. It's all natural also.
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litle caterpillar pictures are nice and writeups are ok but it would be good if you could say where they usually live ie what state or province or country thanks
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Lireal T. Your RUDE?
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interesting read.never knew.
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