Warning: Creature That Falls From Trees in Arkansas Can Hurt You

Warmer days are here and if you are out mowing your lawn under a tree in Arkansas beware of a creature that falls from a tree. If bitten or stung it could be very harmful to you, they say the sting is worse than being stung by a wasp.

What is it?

It's known as the Buck Moth Caterpillar their territory includes a large swath from Canada to Mexico and in one-half of the eastern United States including Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. The Buck Moth Caterpillar is described as black, white, orange, and yellow, with spike clusters with a red head and white dots.

These big 2-inch stinging critters can cause excruciating pain from their venom gland that leaves a burning feeling if stung and causes instant pain and swelling. The painful swelling and rash could last up to a week and the best remedy is to treat the rash with hydrocortisone cream and for pain Ibuprofen or Benadryl.

Their favorite hiding places are oak trees, rose bushes, willow trees, and wild cherry trees. The Buck Moth Caterpillar is poisonous to humans and pets and if stung you must seek medical attention right away. As for the environment, these caterpillars feed off the tree leaves causing damage to the tree which makes it more susceptible to other diseases especially oak trees.

The good news is they typically are found from early spring to June and eventually morph into the Buck Moth. If you think you have a problem with the Buck Moth Caterpillar at your home are some ways to rid your yard of these pesky pests.

Come to think of I think I saw one of these on my back patio the other day. Yikes!