Handling caterpillars may cause intense burning pain due to the insect’s spines becoming lodged in the skin.  Severity of symptoms depends on the maturity of the insect, the victims sensitivity to the spines, and the number of spines embedded in the skin.  The most common symptoms are redness, swelling, localized pain and itching with rash.

Never rub the site. Spines can be removed from the skin by applying adhesive tape to the affected area and quickly removing it.

Additional information on  basic treatment guidelines 

Mostly brown with a light green back and brown spot (“saddle”).  Has spines arranged in groups on its body.

Two inches long, pale green with yellow spines and red-yellow stripe.  The Io is a stinging caterpillar with tufts of hollow spine-like hairs connected to venom cells.

There are literally thousands of species of insects capable of stinging. Fortunately, most of these insects are not dangerous.  Symptoms frequently include a raised welt, localized swelling, itching or burning sensation and redness.  These symptoms are not thought to be severe and will subside with basic care and treatment.  If a stinging victim develops serious symptoms including rash or hives, flushing, swelling of the face or shortness of breath, they are having an allergic reaction to the sting or bite and further medical attention should be sought immediately.

Click here to review basic treatment guidelines for stinging insects

Reddish brown in color one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch long.  Mounds range from 8 to 36 inches high with a diameter up to four feet.  Aggressive when disturbed and extreme pain follows multiple stings and bites.  Blisters appear within 24 hours and should not be “popped” or broken open as they can become easily infected.  Symptoms may be mild to severe. Seek medical attention if symptoms do become severe.

Similar to a bee or wasp sting.  Two to three inches long with a tail that curves over its head when in attack position.  Prefers dark corners in places like garages, closets, decayed wood and under rocks.  Welt can be painful but usually requires no medical attention other than first aid.

Often mistaken for a scorpion due to the similar color and size, the Vinegaroon does not have a stinger on its tail.  When provoked it will spray a vinegar-like substance that can be irritating to the eyes.  If sprayed, flush eyes with water for 15 minutes to relieve pain.  Further medical treatment is usually not necessary.

Six to eight inches long with a flat, elongated segmented body.  It has a pair of legs attached to each segment.  Poisonous front claws behind the head grasp and kill prey.  Sting causes pain and sensitivity similar to that of a bee.

Large, flat brown-black bug up to four inches long.  It both swims and flies after prey.  Grasps prey with strong front legs and results in symptoms similar to the assassin bug, resulting in severe pain and inflammation below the bite.  Seek medical attention if you experience redness, swelling or increase in pain.

Ranges from black to gray striped to brightly colored.  When disturbed, it excretes juices that causes the skin to blister like a burn.  If symptoms do not improve within 2-3 days, seek medical attention.

These insects are aggressive only when provoked.  DO NOT disturb their nests or wave arms when they approach.  Stingers need to be removed with care so the poison sac attached to the stinger is not crushed.  This should be done as soon as possible.

People who are extremely sensitive (allergic) to bee stings should wear a Medic Alert bracelet, seek medical care immediately after being stung, and ask their physician for a bee sting allergy kit (EpiPen).

Click here to review basic treatment guidelines for bees, wasps and hornets

The black and yellow honey or bumble be is important for its role in pollination of fruit trees, vegetable and flowers.  Its stinger is barbed (like a fishing hook).  The muscle around the venom sac of the stinger continue to work for up to 20 minutes after the stinger has become detached from the insect’s body.  It is important to remove the stinger as soon as possible.

Spiders

Approximately 20,000 species of spiders live in the U.S.  Almost all are capable of biting but very few can penetrate human skin.  Bites can be painful and may cause redness, swelling and infection.  In Florida, only a few species of spiders are considered potentially dangerous.

Click here to review basic treatment guidelines for spiders

Smooth, shiny black or brown body with red hourglass on underbelly.  Prefers dark, quiet places like garages, meter boxes and furniture.  Bite may or may not be painful initially.  Pain usually begins in 30 to 90 minutes and may last up to 48 hours.  Symptoms include abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, sweating, cramping pain in large muscle masses and difficulty breathing. Abdominal muscles may become board-like and rigid.  Seek medical attention if symptoms develop.

Yellow-orange to brown in color and can grow up to the size of a quarter.  Has violin-shaped markings on its head.  Hides in bathroom closets, over door frames and in corners.  Bite feels like a sting followed by intense pain.  Wound looks like a blister and may take on a “bulls eye” appearance.  Eventually the wound may develop into a large ulcerated area.  Symptoms develop within 36 hours and can cause severe tissue damage.  Seek medical attention if the bite fails to heal or worsens in appearance.  While the most well known spider to case this type of wound, other spiders may also cause similar wounds, like the wolf spider.  Any spider bite that fails to heal and worsens should be evaluated by a physician.

For Poisoning Emergencies Call
1-800-222-1222 V/TTY