If you see this insect in your yard, don’t ignore it—here’s why

A mother’s quick thinking may have saved her son’s life after he developed a painful rash from a venomous caterpillar sting. Now, she’s warning others to stay alert to this hidden danger.

Andrea Pergola’s 15-year-old son, Logan, was gathering tree branches during his volunteer work when he suddenly felt a sharp sting on his arm. At first, it seemed like a minor issue, but within minutes, a strange red grid-like mark appeared on his skin. The pain quickly escalated, and the rash spread from his arm to his chest, causing an unbearable burning sensation.

As Logan’s symptoms worsened—dizziness, paleness, and increasing pain—his mother tried to treat the sting at home. She washed the affected area and even applied garlic, a common home remedy for bug bites. But nothing seemed to help.

A shocking discovery

It was Logan’s grandfather who eventually found the culprit: a small, fuzzy caterpillar. Though it looked harmless—even “cute”—the family soon learned it was one of the most venomous caterpillars in North America. After researching online, Andrea realized the seriousness of the situation and rushed Logan to the emergency room.

A warning to parents

Andrea later took to Facebook to share her experience, hoping to prevent other families from facing the same terrifying ordeal.

“Please research this caterpillar, be aware of it, and make your kids aware of it,” Andrea wrote. “It is not native to Florida, but to Texas, and just happens to live here now. Please, if you are stung or your kid is stung, get to the ER and let them treat you.”

She also emphasized that over-the-counter treatments like Benadryl would not have been enough to counteract the venom.

What to know about the venomous caterpillar

The caterpillar in question is likely the puss caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis), a highly toxic insect found in parts of the U.S. Despite its soft, furry appearance, its bristles contain venom that can cause extreme pain, nausea, dizziness, and even more severe reactions in some individuals.

If stung, experts recommend:

• Avoid touching the affected area to prevent spreading the venom.
• Use tape to remove any remaining bristles from the skin.
• Apply ice to help reduce swelling.
• Seek medical attention immediately, especially if symptoms worsen.

Stay aware and stay safe

Thanks to Andrea’s quick action, Logan received the medical care he needed and recovered from the painful sting. But their experience serves as a reminder that even seemingly harmless creatures can pose unexpected dangers.

Have you ever encountered a poisonous caterpillar? Let us know in the comments! And if you found this story helpful, share it with your friends and family to spread awareness.