IF YOU'RE heading out into the garden – beware of the caterpillars.
That's the warning being issued today following a return to the area of what are believed to be brown tail moths.
As previously reported, the moth's caterpillars, which are dark brown and covered in two million tiny hairs – are little creatures you certainly don't want to handle.
The small brown hairs can break off into the air and cause severe allergic reactions.
Previously only found on the south-east coast, the insects have been swarming north over the last few years thanks to Britain's increasingly warm weather.
Their nests – made up of silken strands like a closely-knitted spider's web – can be taken for a plastic bag at a distance.
The caterpillars' hairs can easily break off and are an irritant to the skin.
Anyone who inhales or comes into contact with the tiny bristles can develop severe breathing problems, headaches, rashes and even conjunctivitis.
They can also cause respiratory problems and asthmatics are being urged to carry their medication with them.
Grimsby Telegraph chief reporter Sarah Carey fell foul of the caterpillars whilst gardening at the weekend.
She said: "I was removing some bushes from the side of the house when I felt a sting on the side of my neck, but didn't think anything of it. Then, about five minutes later, my arms and neck started to itch and burn.
"A bumpy red rash began to appear and spread all across the back of my neck and down my arms.
"I had no idea what had caused it, but my fiancé said he had seen dark coloured, hairy caterpillars in the shrub I had been working on.
"I took antihistamine tablets and applied calamine lotion, but the following morning it was even worse, so I went to my GP."
A spokesman for North East Lincolnshire Council said the caterpillars were also found in buckthorn at the back of Thorpe Park.
He also urged members of the public coming across the creatures not to touch them.
He said: "Do not handle them.
"Should you get an irritation from them, wash the affected area in warm soapy water.
"If the irritation persists or you have a respiratory problem or an extreme reaction as a result of handing these creatures, seek medical attention."
![Beware of these hairy caterpillars in Grimsby causing skin irritation and breathing issues]( "Beware of these hairy caterpillars in Grimsby causing skin irritation and breathing issues")
