Information on the Saddleback Caterpillar
The saddleback caterpillar is a member of the slug caterpillar family. It may also be called the packsaddle. These caterpillars are usually green and they have brown on each end. They get their name from the white ringed spot on their backs that look like a saddle. These may sound like interesting little creatures but you should remember that they do sting. This article will explain this caterpillar in more detail.
The saddleback caterpillar has two prongs on each end of it. These prongs have hairs on them and can produce venom that stings really bad if you touch these prongs. The area that comes into contact with these prongs will become swollen and leave a rash for several days. The person can also feel very sick to their stomach. If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended that you avoid all contact with these insects because you may have a much stronger reaction than other people. If you are stung by these caterpillars you will need to remove these hairs as soon as possible. You can do this safely by covering the area with tape and removing it quickly. This will remove the hairs without needed to touch them.
These caterpillars are most likely found in North America and you can see them in the late summer or early fall months. They generally feast on trees and corn. If you do run into one of these caterpillars and get stung it will most likely going to be an accident. You are going to find them in your gardens or around flower pots. You may actually be simply cleaning outside and you will feel a sting like you have been hit by a wasp. At this point you are going to most likely notice the little bug that just stung you. As previously mentioned, you are going to want to remove the hairs with tape.
There is more than one type of caterpillar that actually stings. However, the saddleback is one of the most poisonous. Because of this, you are not going to want to touch any caterpillar. This is especially true if you are not sure of what kind it is. This will help you avoid being stung at all. On the off chance that you are stung by one of these, you are probably going to want to know what you can do in order to get rid of the sting. Actually, there are no real home remedies to help get rid of this pain all together but you may find some small relief.
If you wash the area with soap and water you may find that the saddleback caterpillar sting may decrease. Using an ice pack or baking soda may also help to take some of the swelling away and make the pain decrease some in intensity. You will not want to use any type of cream like benedryl because this has been found to be ineffective.
If you are stung by a saddleback caterpillar you are going to want to watch for severe reactions. If you have very sensitive skin or you are older and suffer from different types of allergic reactions you are also going to want to keep a close eye on the sting area. If you are beginning to have a severe reaction you will want to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The best advice that can be given is to avoid touching any type of caterpillar or insect if you do not know what it is. You should always check garden areas before you begin and you may want to work with gloves on to avoid any problems.
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