🐛Strange Florida: Tussock caterpillars invade state

ORLANDO, Fla. – Pollen and lovebugs are inevitable sightings in the Florida spring, but there’s another nuisance that may be showing up on your car.

Tussock moth caterpillars have returned to Central Florida. According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, these fuzzy, white-marked insects are mainly found in oak trees and hatch from their eggs in late February to early March. That means they’ll be dispersing on cars, sidewalks, porches, playgrounds and other outdoor structures.

Due to the tussock moth having a high tolerance for warmer temperatures, the species could become more abundant as a result of a warmer climate.

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The insect is also known to cause allergic reactions that could lead to an itchy rash. The Florida Department of Health listed tips for parents if a child comes in contact with one of these caterpillars:

• Remove the bug from the skin without using bare hands
• Place any kind of tape on the exposed area
• Pull up the tape to remove any hairs or spines
• Repeat this series of steps with fresh pieces of tapes as often as needed
• Wash the area gently with soap and water
• Apply an ice pack to reduce stinging and apply a paste of baking soda and water to reduce itchiness
• If a rash does not go away, the DOH said it is best to call a healthcare provider

The caterpillars and their cocoons have natural enemies in Florida, including birds, beetles and spiders.

Have you spotted tussock caterpillars yet this spring? If so, be sure to post it to our PinIt! page.

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