When Bryant Martin, a father from Pennsylvania, saw his five year old son holding a caterpillar, he was unconcerned- impressed, even, by his son’s bravery. However, only a few minutes after he let the white, fluffy caterpillar crawl all over his hand, the boy broke out in a horrible rash. The caterpillar Bryant’s son was holding was extremely poisonous. And there seems to be a lot of these nasty little prepubescent moths and these caterpillars are becoming a real threat…
The White Hickory Tussock Moth caterpillar has been [illegally] crossing the border from Canada southwards to the United States. The caterpillar is a large with white and grey markings. The bastard look cute and innocent in their fluffiness. But according to the medical community, the innocent appearance of the caterpillars masks their dangerous nature. The black spines along the caterpillar’s backs are actually loaded with venom. Of course, this is just a natural mechanism that is supposed to protect the caterpillars against predators, but it can be very harmful to humans.
Dr. Joseph Betz is another parent who has had a firsthand encounter with the venom of these caterpillars. His four year old son picked up a White Hickory Tussock Moth caterpillar and let it crawl across his face. The rash is often red, splotchy, and very itchy. Any area touched by the venomous spines are affected. Fortunately, the rash is only temporary, and it is very easy to treat. Dr. Betz recommends parents should wash the affected area with a mild soap, treat it with a calamine lotion and apply ice to sooth the unpleasant feelings. Antihistamines can also help to calm the reaction, but if it persists, contact a doctor.
The White Hickory Tussock Moth caterpillars are from Canada. This presents many heave questions like, is the Canadian government trying to poison Americans, in an act of terrorism, by releasing venomous caterpillars across our borders? How long before these nasty pests infest the entire nation? Or most frighteningly: is this the cause of climate change? And how many more strange and terrible consequences might we yet suffer if this is related to global warming?
Educating children about which caterpillars cause rashes is certainly the best way to help prevent them from getting hurt. Many experts warn that the caterpillars may appear in the United States again next year. So exercise caution America. The Canadian White Hickory Tussock Moth caterpillar invasion has begun.’
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