Overview
- The City of Sanford closed Paw Park to treat tussock caterpillars and reduce contact for pets and visitors, with reopening expected later this week.
- Tussock moth caterpillars are popping up across Florida this spring, and experts say to avoid touching the fuzzy larvae.
- Their barbed hairs can break off and lodge in skin, causing a burning rash often compared to fiberglass, and those hairs also cover their cocoons.
- If you make contact, peel off hairs with tape, wash with soap and water, apply ice or a baking-soda paste, and seek medical care if symptoms linger.
- University of Florida specialists say these caterpillars do not bite or sting, and claims that they are venomous conflict with evidence that the irritation comes from detached hairs.