Puss Caterpillar

Puss Caterpillars can be wonderful to look at and appear harmless, however, once handled these stinging caterpillars can cause much main as they transfer a toxic

How do I identify a Puss Caterpillar?
Color: It's short, stubby body is completely covered with light brown to gray hairs.
Size: Typically about 1" long.
Puss caterpillars are usually not plentiful, however, there are rare outbreaks that take place.

Have Puss Caterpillar infested your home or yard?
Puss Caterpillars often enter the home on a potted plant but typically live on oak and citrus trees outdoors in Florida. They appear twice per year in the Spring and in the Fall.

Will Puss Caterpillars sting?
Puss Caterpillars have stiff, poisonous hairs underneath their top layer of soft hair. When handled or brush up against people, these stiff hairs break off into the skin and cause pain, swelling and even allergic reactions. Some people will have an adverse reaction to Puss Caterpillars and will require medical attention.

Will Puss Caterpillars damage my home or structure?
No, puss caterpillars will not damage the home or structure.

Recommendations for control: Carefully inspect potted plants prior to bringing them into the home or structure. Wear protective clothing when working in infested areas. If you are stung do not touch the infected area and refrain from touching eyes.

A pest management professional can help control puss caterpillars from infesting areas near a home or business.