The Browntail Moth Caterpillar is an invasive species that has tiny poisonous hairs that can cause skin irritation either from direct contact or indirect contact from airborne hairs. Browntail Moth Caterpillars can be identified by two bright red dots along it’s back. Many contact cases occur between May and July as caterpillars emerge from their webs. You may see contact cases resurface in late summer and early fall when newly hatched caterpillars begin to create winter webs.
A widely accepted “home-remedy” includes equal parts of the following:
*Witch Hazel
*Hydrocortisone Cream
*Liquid Benadryl
*Aspercreme or Lidocaine Cream
*Calamine Lotion
*Vicks Vapo-rub
Why are they a problem?
The browntail caterpillar has tiny (0.15 mm) hairs that on sensitive individuals cause a skin rash similar to poison ivy and/or trouble breathing. The microscopic hairs break off the caterpillars and are everywhere in browntail infested areas; on trees, lawns, gardens, decks, picnic tables and in the air. The hairs can remain toxic for up to THREE YEARS so although the problem is worst from May to July, they may cause a reaction at other times of year as well. Wind or activities such as mowing, leaf-blowing, etc., can stir up the hairs, leading to a reaction. The rash and trouble breathing can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. It is caused by both a chemical reaction to a toxin in the hairs and physical irritation from the barbed hairs. Contact your physician if a reaction is severe.
For more information, please click this link.
If you have a nest/infestation, please go to this website for a list of licensed pesticide companies who deal with the browntail caterpillar/moth.
