Venomous puss caterpillars sending some to hospitals

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It's one of the many mysteries of mother nature: a fuzzy, small caterpillar. You might find them in your yard or around your home.

If you touch one though, you will find out that despite their size they pack a huge, venomous punch. In some cases, those who are stung end up at the doctor's office or an emergency room.

"I'm pretty tough, but it did kind of scare when I was having trouble breathing," says Thomas Reyes, who once was stung by the insect.

Experts say they're commonly referred to incorrectly as "asps," that they are actually called "Puss Caterpillars." What appears to be soft fur on their bodies hides venomous bristles that can break off into your skin if you touch them or they touch you.

"It's defense mechanism is to shoot a venom through those tubes into the skin of whatever it feels threatened by," says Gary Gillen of Gillen Pest Control.

Gillen and others urge you to encourage children not to touch the insects. If you are stung you might seek medical attention.