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Home Canterbury News Article
An invasion of toxic caterpillars is spreading across Kent - with several sightings of the hairy critters across the county.
It comes after KentOnline revealed an infestation of the brown-tail moth caterpillar - which can cause skin irritations and even breathing difficulties - had been discovered in Hersden.
Kent County Council will be sending a team to treat the area in a bid to tackle the infestation near the A28 in the village.
People have also been urged to be wary in their gardens and hedging in the village near Canterbury.
But there have been several more sightings across the county.
Jeanette Hayes spotted them in Bogshole Lane in Herne Bay a few days ago.
"I took some pictures of these caterpillar nests that I found the other day and put a picture on Facebook," she said.
After a friend sent her a link to KentOnline's report yesterday about the critters, she realised that she had stumbled upon the toxic caterpillar.
Images taken by Ms Hayes show them resting in silk tents on trees.
Meanwhile, Emma-Jane Nicholas caught a glimpse of them twice in the past week in Margate.
"Whilst I was attending a hospital appointment at QEQM on Friday, and again this morning, there was a huge bush full of these caterpillars - another infestation," she said.
Her pictures show dozens of them resting on plants near the hospital.
The brown-tail moth caterpillar has also been spotted in Folkestone by Stephen French.
"I was interested to read your article regarding the brown-tail moth infestation in Hersden," he said.
"I noticed last week an identical infestation along a pathway beside the Channel Tunnel."
The species, whose larvae is often found in tell-tale silken webs, has thousands of tiny hairs that can cause intensely itchy rashes, eye problems and sore throats.
In severe cases, contact with the caterpillar's spiked and barbed hairs - which can penetrate skin - can cause breathing difficulties and trigger asthma attacks.
They are between 7mm and 38mm in length with a distinctive white line down each side.
The whole body is covered in tufts of brown hairs and two distinct orange / red dots are noticeable on the caterpillar's back towards the tail.
Asthmatics and hay fever sufferers are also warned not to inhale the hairs as they can cause breathing difficulties.
The rash is similar to one caused by nettles and the discomfort should disappear after a few hours.
A warm bath with the application of calamine lotion or antihistamine cream may ease the itching.
If any other symptoms are experienced or the irritation persists, sufferers are advised to seek medical advice.
Brown-tail caterpillars are common in late spring and summer but gradually disappear as they turn into moths.
Experts believe the species, which is native to the UK but most often found in coastal areas, is becoming more common due to warming climates.
Similar concerns were raised last year after the critters were seen in abundance in hedgerows along the A28 between Hersden and Upstreet.
Read more: All the latest news from Thanet
