Buck Moth Infestation

posted on 18 December 2009 | posted in Best of the Web

The hairs on the caterpillars are hollow conduits for the underlying poison glands. Contact with them causes a burning sensation and inflammation that can be as painful as a bee sting. The irritation can last for days and can come complete with nausea during the first few hours. The sting reddens and swells, looking like a small red rash.

The recommended treatment for a sting is pretty logical when you think about it. Since the spines penetrate the skin, rubbing is a bad idea - akin to grinding sand in your eye. Scotch tape over the sting repeatedly to remove the spines and then a paste of baking soda and water are said to relieve the burning, searing agony.