If you live in the Beaufort SC area, please beware when you’re outdoors. The puss caterpillar has made its seasonal return to the Lowcountry. And, while this fuzzy creature may look friendly, it’s better if you just stay away from it because it’s the most toxic and most venomous caterpillar in the U.S.
According to our reports from last year, they had been spotted all over the Beaufort area starting in September, and one was just seen over on Laurel Bay a couple of weeks ago by Emily Fedeyev who shared her discovery the popular Facebook Group, South Carolina Nature Lovers. (see Emily’s posting here)
Though they may look soft and cuddly, the puss caterpillar’s fluffy-looking hair hides small, sharp spines that stick in your skin and cause waves of excruciating pain, according to a National Geographic report. Each spine is connected to a poison gland that injects venom when touched.
“A puss caterpillar sting feels like a bee sting, only lots worse. The pain immediately and rapidly gets worse after being stung, and can even make your bones hurt,” Nat Geo said.
They’re common to South Carolina and folks see them often. They can be anywhere. On your porch, in a pile of leaves or on trees.
Lena Narowski, of Beaufort, has been bitten before. “Ive been stung in Beaufort. It hurt so bad…I was stung on my elbow after sitting on a porch chair. Almost went to the ER,” she told us on Facebook.
Kelly Freeman has experienced the sting as well. “I touched one when I was a kid. Felt like I got electrocuted,” she said.
Health officials agree that if stung, the first thing to do is to remove the caterpillar’s venom-filled spines by covering the affected area with tape and then peeling it off. Then, apply ice packs to reduce the stinging sensation, and follow with a paste of baking soda and water.
Other potential symptoms of its sting include immediate, intense pain that often comes in waves, a swelling rash of red blotches and raised ridges, nausea and vomiting, fever, muscle cramps, swollen glands and even symptoms of shock, according to the University of Michigan School of Medicine.
Keep your eyes open for these fluffy little devils.
Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants can prevent brushes with the puss caterpillar while you’re outside doing yard work or just if you’re just taking a stroll through the woods.
