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Brown-tail moth caterpillar found in Folkestone garden

By: Amy Nickalls anickalls@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 18:55, 08 September 2021

Updated: 19:04, 08 September 2021

A gardener found a highly poisonous caterpillar dining out on his precious roses.

While he was deheading the flowers at his Folkestone home he discovered what appears to be a brown-tail moth caterpillar.

A brown-tail moth caterpillar has been found in a Folkestone garden (51045104)

He said: "I didn't have gloves on so it's lucky I didn't grab it with my bare hands.

"I hope there isn't an infestation. I'm worried what will happen if a child touches one of these grisly little beasts.

"I've taken it out of my garden with a spade and put it in some bushes."

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According to the Butterfly Conservation, there has been a huge rise in the numbers of brown-tail moth caterpillars since 2019.

They strip the leaves of trees and bushes before going to find something else to eat.

A brown-tail moth caterpillar has been found in a Folkestone garden

They are dark brown with orangey hairs with white tufts down their sides. They have two orange warts on the back.

They have a mass of tiny barbed hairs which can get under the skin and cause a nettle-like rash.

If you get a rash after touching one you should apply antihistamine cream or calamine lotion and seek medical help if the symptoms don't subside after a few hours.

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