Social media has become a powerful tool for spreading urgent safety information. Messages that once stayed local can now travel worldwide in minutes, sometimes preventing serious harm. One mother’s post is a perfect example—her quick thinking and decision to share her experience may have saved more than just her son’s life.
A Sudden, Alarming Sting
Andrea Pergola’s 15-year-old son, Logan, was volunteering a few years ago, gathering tree branches, when he suddenly felt a sharp sting on his arm. At first, it seemed like nothing more than a minor insect bite. But within minutes, strange red grid-like markings appeared on his skin, quickly spreading into a painful rash that climbed up his arm toward his chest.
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| YouTube/FOX 13 News – Tampa Bay |
Logan grew pale, lightheaded, and weak as the stinging pain turned into a searing burn.
Home Remedies That Failed
Andrea immediately tried to help. She cleaned the area and even applied garlic, a traditional home remedy for stings, hoping to ease his pain. But nothing worked—the burning only grew worse.
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| YouTube/FOX 13 News – Tampa Bay |
That’s when Logan’s grandfather noticed a small, fuzzy creature nearby. Wearing protective gloves, he carefully captured it in a bag.
The Surprising Culprit
What they found looked harmless—even cute. It was a tiny, fluffy caterpillar. But Andrea’s quick online search revealed a startling truth: Logan had been stung by the Southern Flannel Moth caterpillar, also known as the asp caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis).
This caterpillar, despite its soft and fuzzy appearance, is one of the most venomous in North America. Its venomous spines can deliver an excruciating sting that may trigger severe reactions requiring medical treatment. While commonly found in Texas, sightings in states like Florida have been increasing.
A Race to the ER
Realizing the danger, Andrea rushed Logan to the emergency room. Doctors confirmed what she had discovered—this was not something that could be treated at home with simple remedies or over-the-counter medication.
Later, Andrea shared her terrifying experience on Facebook, urging other parents to stay alert:
“RESEARCH THIS CATERPILLAR. MAKE YOUR KIDS AWARE. IF YOU’RE STUNG, GO TO THE ER IMMEDIATELY. BENADRYL AT HOME WON’T HELP—WE DIDN’T REALIZE HE HAD BEEN STUNG SO MANY TIMES.”
What Parents Need to Know
- The asp caterpillar may look harmless but is one of the most venomous caterpillars in North America.
- Symptoms can include: severe burning pain, rash, swelling, nausea, and dizziness.
- Immediate medical attention is essential if stung.
- When handling branches, leaves, or firewood, always wear gloves—these caterpillars often hide in such places.
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