Are gypsy moth caterpillars poisonous?

Gypsy moths are not poisonous to humans. However, they can impact your health, triggering an itchy rash. The coarse hair on these caterpillars may irritate or cause an itchy rash if they come in contact with skin. The rash will be similar to that of poison ivy and may last for several days.

Although gypsy moth caterpillars do not bite or sting, their sharp spines, found on their bodies and legs, can break off into the skin. The body reacts to the spines by forming small pustules or blisters at the puncture wound site.

Can you get a rash if you touch gypsy moth caterpillars?

Yes. Gypsy moth caterpillars can cause skin rashes when people touch them, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. The caterpillars have hair-like structures that carry a toxic chemical that can cause an allergic reaction.

The rashes usually appear in the form of red bumps or blisters. It may also itch, burn or turn red, but it’s not serious or contagious, according to the extension.

The best way to prevent a rash is to avoid contact with gypsy moth caterpillars. You can do this by wearing gloves while gardening or pruning branches or trimming trees with caterpillars on them. 

Are gypsy moth caterpillars poisonous to dogs?

The caterpillars are poisonous to dogs if ingested (which can be hard to prevent when you own a dog that likes to put anything and everything in his mouth!); Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and excessive panting.

The entomologists at Spotted Lanternfly HQ say: “If your backyard has a lot of trees, it’s likely that you’ll find gypsy moth caterpillars feeding on them. Unless you have pets who will be exposed to the caterpillars or hairy parts of trees they’ve fed on, they probably don’t pose much of a threat. If contact is made with the caterpillars or their hair-filled silk mats, it can cause skin irritation and rashes in sensitive people.”

Are gypsy moth caterpillars poisonous to birds?

The answer is no; gypsy moth caterpillars are not poisonous to birds. In fact, Birds like the yellow-billed and black-billed cuckoos, blue jays, orioles, and rufous-sided towhees prey on gypsy moth caterpillars.

There is a misconception that gypsy moth caterpillars are poisonous to birds because the bristles on the caterpillars are irritating to the digestive tracts of mammals (not humans). It is true that some species of birds have died from ingesting large amounts of gypsy moth caterpillars. However, birds only consume small numbers of these insects and do not suffer any ill effects.

Are gypsy moth caterpillars poisonous to chickens?

Gypsy moth caterpillars are not poisonous specifically to chickens, but chickens are prone to problems with the little hairs that cover their bodies. These hairs can be irritating when they come in contact with your chickens’ skin and eyes.

Are gypsy moth caterpillars poisonous to cats?

Yes, the gypsy moth caterpillar is poisonous to cats. The caterpillar has tiny hairs that cause an irritating rash on cats (and humans). The rash can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines.

There are claims that the gypsy moth caterpillar is poisonous to cats and other pets. They are not poisonous in that they don’t contain toxins, but they do have tiny hairs called setae, which can cause a rash on the cat’s skin when touched.

Are gypsy moth caterpillars poisonous to humans?

While these caterpillars aren’t poisonous to humans, there are some side effects to handling them if you have sensitive skin.

The little hairs of these caterpillars may cause an itchy, irritating rash on your skin if they come in contact with it.

This is called dermatitis and usually only occurs in people who have sensitive skin or have allergies. The rash may be red, blotchy, and itchy.