The year 2020 is coming to an end, but the problems we face are far from over. While the pandemic continues for months, there is a warning about another insect that is almost as dangerous as the Murder Hornetsthis time in Virginia. Hairy caterpillars have been reported in the US state and residents have been warned to stay away from these creepy crawlies. The Virginia Department of Forestry is warning residents to stay away from the poisonous caterpillars as they have spines on their very thick and hairy fur that contain toxins. These insects have been appearing in “parks or near buildings” in Eastern Virginia. Let’s learn more about these creepy insects and are they just as dangerous? Killer hornets take another life! 70-year-old Portuguese man dies after being stung by a swarm of Asian hornets.

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The Virginia Department of Forestry posted a picture of this creepy looking insect and asked people to “maintain social distance from this caterpillar!” They mention that caterpillars eat oak and elm leaves. They mention that the hairs are actually poisonous spines that cause a painful reaction when touched. They have received many reports of recent sightings in the area. Harvestmen invade British homes in search of sex! Learn more about crane flies, the long-legged insects (view pictures and videos).

Check out the Facebook post here:

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Commenting on the post, someone who was stung by the caterpillar wrote: “This hurts like never before. My husband was stung two years ago and we still talk about it.” For now, authorities are relying on the caterpillars’ natural predators to keep them in check. If their population gets out of control, they will intervene.

Learn more about the poisonous caterpillar

The poisonous caterpillar of the puss transforms into a southern flannel moth for its adult form. The larva, about one centimeter long, is generously covered in long, lush hair-like spines, which often earns it the name “puss.” This fur-like pattern is extremely curly in the early stages. This hair of the larva contains poisonous spines that cause extremely painful reactions on human skin upon contact.

This small, toupee-like creature is considered one of the most venomous caterpillars in the United States, according to the University of Florida’s Department of Entomology and Nematology. It is dangerous because of its venomous stingers. Contact with them or a light touch can cause extreme skin irritation. It can feel like a bee sting and if you are already allergic, you must seek medical attention. The reactions sometimes affect the affected area but can be very severe. They can cause burning, swelling, nausea, headaches, abdominal pain, rashes, blisters, and sometimes chest pain, numbness, or difficulty breathing. Depending on the severity of the sting, they can also affect a person’s blood pressure.