AMERICANS have been warned to stay well away from 'cute and fuzzy' caterpillars sprouting up across one US state.
American Dagger Moth Caterpillars may not look dangerous, but they are in fact toxic.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) have issued an alert after a flurry of the moths were spotted in Texas Hill.
The large, greenish-yellow caterpillar has four bunches of black bristles on the body.
These bristles can break off and embed themselves in human skin.
Inside that bristle is a toxin which can trigger itching, stinging, burning and rashes.
read more in news
According to Insect Identification, they are most likely to be attracted to oak, ash, elder, willow, and maple trees.
They are active mainly in the spring and fall months and can often be found around benches, parks, and thick trees.
Research suggests that if you want to get rid of the pesky caterpillars, simply brush them away with a broom or treat your yard with a landscape insecticide.
It comes after a 14-year-old was rushed to hospital after an ant bite she sustained became infected.
Most read in The US Sun
Rayanne Turay, 14, went into septic shock following the incident.
The bite is believed to have been caused by an ant infestation at the council house where Rayanne lives.
Mum Jordann Griffiths, 33, says she has been in contact with Wandsworth Council for years over repair issues at the property in Battersea, South London.
Elsewhere, a mom has told how her two-year-old has been left covered in bedbug bites after bloodsucking pests took over their home.
Antonia Selby, 28, says her toddler has been “eaten alive” despite repeated attempts by pest controllers to wipe out the horde in Swindon, Wilts.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTEZqqupl6YvK57zZ6urGdpbIN2f5BvZpytpJp6p8HZs7BmsZWhubDDjJyYrZ2ipbatuMCrqmato2LAta3TnmSwmaKjtq%2Bzjg%3D%3D