Families have been issued a safety warning as toxic caterpillars capable of harming children and pets are spotted in parts of the UK. East Devon district council has urged people with gardens to “keep away” from the brown furry creatures to avoid painful allergic reactions. The local authority said it has received growing reports of the brown-tail moth caterpillars in the Budleigh Salterton area, including in web “tents” on bramble hedgerows.
It warned that tiny hairs on the caterpillars can cause skin irritation similar to nettle stings, with contact also sometimes triggering allergies, eye irritation and asthma symptoms. The creepie crawlies are spotted more often during the warmer months as they emerge from winter webs to feed on plants like hawthorn and blackthorn.
A spokesperson for the council said: “As the weather warms, we’re seeing increased numbers of brown-tail moth caterpillars and their web ‘tents’ on bramble in Budleigh, particularly around the Steamer Steps area.”
They added: “There’s no need for alarm – just take sensible precautions [including] avoiding touching caterpillars or their webbed nests/tents and keeping children and dogs away from affected bramble.”
They also urged anyone who thinks they have come into contact with the caterpillar hairs to wash the area with plenty of water and seek medical advice if irritation persists or in the case of breathing or eye symptoms.
The spokesperson said the brown-tail moth species should not be confused with invasive oak processionary moth caterpillars, which are found almost exclusively on oak trees.
In contrast, the brown-tail moth variety are often spotted on hedgerows in southern England and Wales as well as some coastal regions further north.
According to the Royal Horticultural Society, the caterpillars are up to 30 mm long with black colouring and a white band along their sides.
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