‘Don’t touch’: Here’s what to do if you see venomous puss moth caterpillars in San Antonio
Last weekend, Enchanted Gardens in the Houston area warned its followers about puss moth caterpillar, as it’s seen more and more at its center at 6420 FM 359 Road, Richmond.
Enchanted Gardens
In Texas, the southern flannel moth, or puss moth caterpillar, is common.
Enchanted Gardens
It has barbs with venom that can leave a “nasty” reaction on the skin, according to Molly Keck, an integrated pest management program specialist from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
Enchanted Gardens
Caterpillars can be cute, but some species are venomous and can even cause a severe reaction.
In Texas, the southern flannel moth, or puss moth caterpillar, is common. It has barbs with venom that can leave a “nasty” reaction on the skin, according to Molly Keck, an integrated pest management program specialist from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
Adult puss moths typically emerge in late spring or early summer to lay several hundred eggs on favored host trees, such as oaks, pecan, elm, hackberry, and other trees. Caterpillars may also be seen feeding on dwarf yaupon and other shrubs, Keck says.
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This caterpillar often infests shade trees and shrubbery around homes, schools, and parks. When a puss moth caterpillar rubs or is pressed against the skin, venomous hairs stick into the skin, causing a severe burning sensation and rash.
“[The] best thing to do is avoid them,” Keck says. “Don’t touch them, as they have barbs with venom, and the reaction can be pretty nasty.”
For your plants, Keck says you can treat them with a foliar with a liquid insecticide. If they are a lot all over trees, bushes, etc., you may have to enlist the help of a pest management professional.
For more information on the species, visit Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
