The Problem with Asps

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Asps Spotted in the RGV, Beware of Their StingWhat’s the problem with a cute little furry creature that looks soft and fuzzy and super cuddly like a miniature plush worm? It’s an asp caterpillar. It’s poisonous. Its sting might just ruin your day. Stay away from asps.

If you have kids…

If you have SKIN…

Stay away from asps.

Asp caterpillars have been making the rounds around the RGV. Late summer and early fall are favorable for these creatures. They’re out there, folks. Several moms in our readership have encountered these critters when their kids tried to touch or pick them up. These stingers don’t discriminate by location and have been hanging around elementary schools as well.

The pain can be enough to merit an ER visit in some cases. My kids saw one on a neighbor’s curb one day as we were walking around and playing after dinner. “Daddy, look! It’s a MONSTER!”

Yes, this is indeed a little monster, and one to be avoided.

WHAT IS AN ASP?

An asp caterpillar, or Megalopyge opercularis, is also known as a puss caterpillar. It happens to be one of the most poisonous caterpillar in the US. The hairy appearance almost masks the fact that it is an insect and its face is clearer upon closer inspection. Picture a crawling mohawk. The hair also masks the spines underneath where the venom lurks. I was shocked to discover this fact! This photo below from a reader shows the wide spectrum of coloring of asps. These were plucked from their front bushes after one stung their son.

Asps - Not Cute Enough to TouchWHERE ARE THEY?

Here. They are here.

Asps are prominent in the southern part of the US (read: Texas) and into Mexico and South America. They like to hang out in the following plants:

  • oak
  • elm
  • sycamore
  • citrus trees
  • roses
  • ivy

WHY STAY AWAY?

I asked “the exterminator” about this one, and their article sums it up cleanly and clearly:

[quote style=”boxed”]With a series of venomous spines the Asp caterpillar sting can deliver a zap capable of causing instantaneous and severe pain along with nausea, vomiting, headaches and muscle cramps, itching, fever, and swollen glands. These symptoms, particularly the intense pain, are felt by the victim for between a few hours and several days, whilst a more mild discomfort may continue for up to a week after that.[/quote]

WHAT ARE ASP CATERPILLARS GOOD FOR?

Nothing. Stings. Eradicate them all.

Just kidding. They might be good for something, but that’s another article altogether.

IF STUNG, WHAT NEXT?

Using tape directly on the sting can help remove the poisonous spines. Repeat this several times with new pieces of tape to clean the skin. It is always best to call your family doctor or pediatrician for a recommendation, and even seek urgent care if the reaction merits it.

If you find these little critters in your yard, be very careful!

Most importantly, teach your kids what these look like so they know NOT to touch them!

If you have any remedies for treatment or safe removal, we would love to hear from you. Comment below!

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