AN INSECT expert from the University of Queensland has warned residents in the greater Jimboomba region to not touch hairy caterpillars.
Professor Myron Zalucki said hairs and skin cells from the itchy-grub could cause skin irritations and allergic reactions when probed.
“They should not be handled,” he said.
Horses should also not be kept near the insect’s nests, which can be found at the base or in the branches of trees including eucalyptus trees and acacias.
Prof. Zaluki said a pregnant mare’s ingestion of the caterpillar or its nest could cause their offspring to be aborted.
His advice comes after anecdotal reports last week from residents that the region has been swarmed by the insects in larger numbers than usual.
While the grubs usually break-free from their nests about April, Prof. Zaluki said last year’s hotter-than-average warmer months could explain why they had come a few weeks earlier than expected.
“They appear to be a bit earlier and my sense is that they are,” he said.
I have definitely not seen this many in a long time.
- Robert Wright
Greenbank resident Robert Wright said he saw more than 500 at his property last Thursday. “I have definitely not seen this many in a long time,” he said.
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