THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 10, 1995 TAG: 9508100486
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
DATELINE: COLINGTON HARBOUR LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
At least two residents of Colington Harbour have been stung by puss caterpillars this week, Associate Agricultural Extension Agent Susan E. Ruiz-Evans said Wednesday.
While in the garden, two people brushed their hands against the caterpillars, which were perched on yaupon hollies, and felt sharp pains that radiated from their hands up their arms. One person suffered swelling and prolonged discomfort.
According to the Cooperative Extension Service, puss caterpillars produce a very painful sting when people brush against them. The contact breaks tiny hollow spines that are filled with fluid. The fluid produces painful stinging sensations that may last several hours. Swelling that may result could last several days. Itching and nausea are other possible side effects.
Puss caterpillars got their name because their thick, fluffy exterior resembles the fur of a pussycat. The hairs are generally gray, tan or reddish. Young caterpillars start with a tan, cottony covering and grow into convex, stout-bodied caterpillars about one inch long. Adults are flannel moths, yellowish brown with fluffy white wings covered with wavy, white hairs.
Care should be used in handling any form of these caterpillars or moths because poison may be present on their egg covers, cocoons and dead larvae.
Puss caterpillars feed on oak, elm, hackberry, maple, redbud, English ivy, roses, plum and sycamore trees. In Dare County, they have been found on wisteria and yaupon holly. The caterpillars and moths may be present on the Outer Banks through October.
Sevin or one of the ``Bacillus thuringiensis'' pesticides should help control puss caterpillars. But is not very effective on older caterpillars.
For more information, or to report a sighting or sting, call the Dare County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, 473-1101, ext. 241. by CNB