Michigan Residents Stay Clear Of This Insect Found On Trees

Michigan Residents Stay Clear Of This Insect Found On Trees

As temperatures are warming up, the threat of different insects is coming back in full force.

Before you go out and about this summer, make sure you are educated on the various insects to stay away from.

Have you heard of the buck moth caterpillar?

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What Are Buck Moth Caterpillar?

As you may guess, the buck moth caterpillars become or turn into the Buck Moth.

Buck moth caterpillars feed primarily on different oaks, including scrub oak, live oak, blackjack oak, and dwarf chestnut oak.

The buck moth caterpillar's spines and their offshoots can cause stinging pain if they are touched.

Buck Moth Caterpillars are found in various states throughout the United States and Canada, including:

• Alabama;
• Arkansas;
• Connecticut;
• Delaware;
• Florida;
• Georgia;
• Illinois;
• Indiana;
• Iowa;
• Kansas;
• Kentucky;
• Louisiana;
• Maine;
• Maryland;
• Massachusetts;
• Michigan;
• Minnesota;
• Mississippi;
• Missouri;
• Nebraska;
• New Hampshire;
• New Jersey;
• New York;
• North Carolina;
• North Dakota;
• Ohio;
• Oklahoma;
• Pennsylvania;
• Rhode Island;
• South Carolina;
• South Dakota;
• Tennessee;
• Texas;
• Vermont;
• Virginia;
• West Virginia;
• Wisconsin;
• New Brunswick;
• Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Nova Scotia;
• Ontario;
• Prince Edward Island;
• Quebec;
• Mexico.

What Should You Do If You Touch Buck Moth Caterpillars?

If someone is "stung" by a venomous caterpillar, you should wash the affected area IMMEDIATELY to remove any hairs or venom that remains, according to Virginia Tech's Virginia Cooperative Extenstion.

Any people who are sensitive to insect stings should contact their medicinal care provider immediately.

An ice pack can help reduce the swelling, and steroid lotions and creams can lessen the painful discomfort.