Health warnings over toxic hairy caterpillars that can cause rashes and asthma attacks after 255 people fell ill last year
- The caterpillars, which feed off oak trees, were first spotted in London
- They travel at a slow pace of two miles a year
An ‘army’ of toxic caterpillars are said to be on the march and will pose a serious hazard to human health.
In 2022, up to 255 people fell ill after encountering the insects, an increase from 56 in 2021.
The critters – who arrived 17 years ago in a cargo shipment of trees from Holland – have up to 60,000 hairs.
Contact with the creatures can cause skin rashes and asthma attacks, alongside eye and throat irritation, vomiting and fever.
The caterpillars, which feed off oak trees, were first spotted in London and have spread across the country.
They travel at a slow pace of two miles a year, and are expected to reach Birmingham in ten years.
Contact with the creatures can cause skin rashes and asthma attacks, alongside eye and throat irritation, vomiting and fever
The Forestry Commission’s Andrew Hoppit said: ‘They are a hazard to human and animal health. Curious animals such as are most vulnerable.’
As well as the human risk, the creatures also threaten our 121 million oak trees.
The caterpillars emerge between March and July, before turning into moths.
The nests – which are white and tennis ball sized – should be reported to the Forestry Convention when spotted.