Toxic caterpillars invade Hastings Old Town

By The Newsroom
Published 20th May 2019, 11:16 BST
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Caterpillar 1 SUS-190520-094412001
There has been an outbreak of poisonous caterpillars in a public garden in Hastings Old Town.

The caterpillars of the Brown Tailed Moth have stinging hairs and if they come into contact with people can cause a painful rash.

There has been an outbreak of the caterpillars in Swan gardens, opposite St Clements Church, in the High Street.

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Caterpillar 2 SUS-190520-094452001

Hastings Borough Council has put up a sign warning people of the danger.

The caterpillars and cocoons of the The Brown-tail should not be handled or disturbed. They have hairs that can cause skin reactions requiring medical treatment. Strong winds and any disturbance may cause hairs to become airborne.

The caterpillars are active between may and June, feeding on foliage. They then spin a cocoon and pupate. Adult moths emerge in July/August and mate.

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