Otherwise known as stinging caterpillars, buck moths are now on the brink of their annual invasion.
The species is found in oak forests throughout the southeastern United States as far west as Texas. Typically, adult moths emerge during mid-December to mate and lay eggs.
But it’s not moth stage that bothers Baton Rougeans.
It’s the eggs’ emergence as spiny caterpillars. From late April through May, the caterpillars descend to the ground to pupate.
“This is when people typically come in contact with the caterpillars,” LSU professor of forest entomology and insect ecology Timothy Schowalter says. “People experience the painful sting of the caterpillars either by stepping on them on the ground or by brushing against them on walls or shrubs.”
The insects’ bodies are covered in hollow spines that are attached to a venom gland. The venom can cause symptoms ranging from itching and burning sensations to nausea.
In cities such as Baton Rouge or New Orleans where live oaks are common along city streets, the caterpillars can become a significant nuisance.
Schowalter says the severity of this year’s infestation varies by area. Weather, predators and parasites all play a role. Also, some trees respond to caterpillar feeding by producing more defensive chemicals; other trees are more susceptible.
Pyrethroid-based insecticides have been proven affective in killing off the caterpillars. But spraying for these caterpillars is generally discouraged, Schowalter says.
“[The caterpillars] don’t cause lasting damage to the oaks and applying pesticides to large oaks requires a high pressure/high volume sprayer that generally is available only to professional pest control companies,” he says. “Also, you’d have to spray so much to kill any that reach the ground that it would be both uneconomical and potentially increase the risk of these and other insects developing resistance to the insecticides. I’d rather encourage people to appreciate them and work to avoid being stung, rather than spraying them.”
Instead, Schowalter recommends careful observation and wearing shoes anywhere where caterpillars could be crawling.
If you are unlucky enough to get stung, Schowalter suggests the following first aid tips:
Creature Feature
Roxanne is 2-year-old Shiba Inu mix. She loves people. Roxanne gives hugs and kisses, cuddles on the couch and receive all the attention she can get. She absolutely adores children and even allows them to use her for a pillow. This blonde beauty is best suited to be an only pet.
Lucy is a 6-year-old brown tabby. She likes being play with her fosters and scratched. Lucy has not been around dogs or children.
Olaf is a 9-month-old Catahoula mix. He’s a crazy, happy, super sweet guy. Since Olaf has lots of energy, he will need a patient owner with time to teach him how to become a great canine companion. He’s best suited to a family with moderate to high energy level who have the time to walk him daily and lots of playtime.
Jane is a 7-year-old kitty, has one white whisker but otherwise is all black with glowing green eyes. She was found abandoned off of Burbank in a busy subdivision, living in a hole in this large oak tree. Jane adapted quickly to her foster home—sleeping on her foster’s lap while watching TV—and making friends with the other cats.
Ralphie is a 2-year-old border collie/terrier mix. This happy fellow is a really fast learner and knows a few commands such as sit and shake. He gets along well with other dogs and loves to run around playing keep-away with all the toys. He would be best suited to a family with moderate to high energy who can give him daily walks and playtime.
Austyn and her sisters are called the Tanger Girls because they were caught at the mall in Gonzales. Austyn was the last one caught about four days after the others. Due to the diligence of her foster family, the former wild child can now be picked up and held.
All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested and microchipped. Many other adoptable dogs, puppies, cats and kittens are available through Capital Area Animal Welfare Society.
