CRITTER INVASION
‘Toxic’ caterpillars invading UK as parents warned they could trigger deadly asthma attacks
"TOXIC" caterpillars are invading the UK as parents are warned they could trigger deadly asthma attacks.
Experts have noted a steep rise in brown-tail moth sightings in recent weeks as those allergic to their hairs report rashes and blisters.
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The 30mm wrigglies have been spotted across South England, including in Devon, Hampshire, Dorset, Bucks and Cambs.
In Hants, teachers at Kimpton primary school ordered pupils to stay away from webs which the moths have woven in bushes near the playground.
'AVOID CONTACT'
Brown-tail moth larvae are most commonly found on hedgerow trees such as blackthorn, hawthorn and scrubby plants, especially bramble.
They are different to the 25mm oak processionary moth (OPM), thousands of which were spotted in gardens and parks across Bucks in May.
Ex-Portland mayor Sandy West described being in agony with blisters, as well as suffering an asthma attack after coming into contact with the brown tail caterpillars in Dorset.
"It's been like caterpillar Olympics in our garden," she said.
"My husband was brushing them from the house, which caused them to shoot off hairs, which is what happens when they are threatened.
It's been like caterpillar Olympics in our garden... I developed a rash from my hairline to my chest, as if I'd been burnt
Sandy West, Dorset resident
"I developed a rash from my hairline to my chest, as if I'd been burnt."
Experts have warned people not to touch the caterpillars as their hairs, which readily break off, contain a toxin which can remain active for up to five years after being shed.
The caterpillars, which will become moths, are mostly found in southern England and Wales and hatch every year in May and June.
This year more have reportedly been more sightings than usual, including in Hampshire's New Forest.
What are brown tail caterpillars?
- The brown tail caterpillars (euproctis chrysorrhoea) are most commonly found on hedgerow trees such as blackthorn and hawthorn or on scrubby plants, especially bramble.
- Their hairs can provoke an allergic reaction, with experts warning children to stay away from the cartures.
- They spend the winter months in tough webbing nests and emerge in spring to feed communally until the end of May.
- The larvae are dark brown and hairy with a series of white marks down the side and a characteristic pair of orangey-red ‘warts’ at the rear end.
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A district council spokeswoman said: "Contact with these caterpillars should be avoided as it can cause skin and eye irritation and breathing difficulties, particularly in children and in those with existing conditions such as asthma.
"They have spiked and barbed hairs which can penetrate skin if touched, and which the caterpillar can eject if disturbed, causing them to become airborne.
"You should avoid handling or brushing past brown-tail moth caterpillars."
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