Departments of Plant Pathology and Entomology
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
North Carolina State University

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North Carolina Pest News
Volume 13, Number 17, August 14, 1998
Stephen J. Toth, Jr. and Thomas A. Melton, editors

The information and recommendations in this newsletter are applicable to North Carolina and may not apply in other areas.

From: Stephen B. Bambara, Extension Entomologist

Stinging Caterpillars

Stinging caterpillars have sharp hairs on the body that contain an urticating liquid which causes a sudden, painful burning sensation on the skin of the individual who is unfortunate enough to brush against the caterpillar (the stings are as uncomfortable as the stings of the Portuguese Man-of-War or wasps). The acute pain may last several hours. Swelling associated with the sting may be evident for several days. Some people are very sensitive and may require professional medical treatment. These caterpillars rarely occur in great numbers and squashing is usually enough control. Use something that will be discarded. Do not use your shoe because some irritating hairs may be carried into the house. Sevin, Orthene or one of the Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) pesticides should give adequate control, although B.t. is not very effective on older caterpillars. At least three families of caterpillars have species that can sting. These are giant silkworm moths (io moth and buck moth), flannel moths (hackberry leafslug and puss caterpillar), and slug caterpillars (saddleback, spiny oakslug, stinging rose caterpillar).

Web page last updated on August 17, 1998 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr..

This Web version is a cooperative effort between the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and the Center for Integrated Pest Management