Poisonous Caterpillars: How Dangerous Are the Brown Tail Moths Spotted in the UK?

An alarm involving poisonous caterpillars was recently sounded by the Forestry Commission which has warned that these creatures should not be touched by any circumstance.

According to a report from The Sun, Britons are being cautioned to keep an eye out for toxic caterpillars that can lead to irritation among humans, deadly to dogs, and bothersome to Oak trees.

The Brown Tail Moth, the suspected culprit, is not uncommon in the United Kingdom and can typically be found close to vegetation in the springtime.

However, when the moth is in its caterpillar stage, it can discharge irritant hairs into the air that are causing the irritation. More so, affecting some people quite severely, such hairs can prove deadly for dogs.

Causing Serious Discomfort for Dogs

As indicated in a Bulldogology report, there are insects like the Brown Tail Moth caterpillar that have poisons or toxins that can act on ingestion or contact.

These can lead to some serious discomfort for a puppy through diarrhea, tummy aches, or even lesions, making the caterpillar possibly poisonous to the so-called "man's best friend."

Dog owners have been cautioned as well, that dogs may inadvertently fall victim to the poisonous effects of chemicals in insecticides as well if owners opt to spray them to eliminate the insects.

Essentially, insecticide is such a popular strategy in order to get rid of such pests, although it could prove to be poisonous as well, to one's four-legged friend.

Nevertheless, if an individual's dog picks up one of the creatures on its body, the non-haired part of the body can be affected by dermatitis or rashes, in parts such as the abdomen, muzzle, or shaved udders.

Brown Tail Moths

Brown tail moths are brown in color. They have dotted white lines down every side and two very unique red dots on the back of their tail.

These caterpillars are living in groups and people may also see the so-called "communal tents" they are using primarily for shelter from bad weather but for hibernation in the winter, as well.

Such clumps of material similar to cobwebs will release irritant hairs when they are disturbed, it is essential, therefore, to take shielding measures when performing any treatment.

The Brown Tail Moth caterpillar, specifically, is not a recognized public health pest and thus, the council and most local authorities are not offering such a service.

Poisonous Caterpillars Spotted in the UK

A report from Euronews.com specified that caterpillars with hair that can prove poisonous to both dogs and humans have been spotted at beaches across the United Kingdom.

As the weather becomes warmer, clumps of Brown Tail Moth caterpillars are clustering together inside a spider-like web woven as a winter nest by the larvae.

Nonetheless, the hairs on the caterpillars can cause irritation to the skin and stimulate breathing problems like asthma if breathed in.

Initially spotted in Bournemouth, Boscombe, and Christchurch in Dorset over the Easter weekend, this week, caterpillars were spotted again on paths near Jaywalk Sands in Essex.

Related information about deadly caterpillars invading the UK is shown on NerdAlert's YouTube video below:

Check out more news and information on the Insects in Science Times.