Tussock moth caterpillars in Florida

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Springtime ushers in an influx of an infamous Florida pest. They appear to be everywhere, but be careful not to touch them.

It’s that time of year when spiny white and yellow caterpillars drop out of oak trees, swarming cars and taking over porches across the state.

The creatures are called tussock moth caterpillars, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History. A few species live in Florida — including the fir tussock moth, the white-marked tussock moth and the definite tussock moth — and they look very similar, with their hairy bodies and spikey tufts.

While some may think they look cute and fuzzy, a brush with a tussock moth caterpillar will leave you with an itchy, burning rash. They may even leave some stinging hairs behind, which can be removed with tape.

Anyone who comes in contact with the bug can find relief by taking over-the-counter medications that treat poison ivy.

The caterpillars drop from trees to find a place to build their cocoons, which can be found all over homes, park benches and anything else outside. They are spun with the same hairs that cause the rash, and are difficult to remove.

Anyone who wants to remove the caterpillars from their home should sweep them up and put them in a bucket of soapy water. Their cocoons can be removed using tweezers, but make sure to wear long sleeves to avoid a sting.

The Florida Natural History Museum warned that there could be an increase of these caterpillars hatching each year as the climate warms and leads to shorter winters. The moths have a high tolerance for warm temperatures.

They may be pests, but the moths are a native species and provide food for such creatures as bats, birds and other insects once they reach adulthood.