Millions of Blinding Worms Infest British Village

Caterpillars with spiky, stiff hairs that can cause breathing difficulties, rashes and even blindness are found in abundance in bushes across the UK.

Poisonous brown-tailed caterpillars are found in bushes across the UK. Photo: SWNS

A large number of brown-tailed caterpillar larvae with stiff, swollen hairs appeared in bushes in Essex, Eastern England, Express reported on September 20.

This worm uses tiny, poisonous hairs for defense. Their hairs can cause difficulty breathing, rashes, headaches, and even blindness if they get in the eyes, seriously affecting human health.

Deepbrown tailusually gather in swarms of about 400 to weave a large cocoon to withstand the winter weather. Number of wormsBrown Tail Attacks the VillageHeybridge Basin, Maldon Townestimated in the millions.

"A caterpillar fell from a tree and landed on my neck. After I got inside, I used paper to remove it and threw it away. A few hours later, it felt like I had been bitten by the scariest mosquito. The itching lasted for two nights and the burning sensation was still there for weeks," said Jill Doubtfire, 70.

Local authorities across the UK have also distributed similar leaflets to highlight the risks posed by brown-tailed caterpillars, particularly to people with asthma and hay fever.

"The caterpillar's hairs are sharp and hard, and can pierce the skin and cause irritation. People with asthma or allergic rhinitis should avoid inhaling them as the hairs can cause breathing difficulties," the leaflet warns.

They also advise people who want to clean brown-tailed caterpillar webs to wear protective gear to avoid contact with their hairs.

"You need to be very careful not to touch the brown-tailed caterpillar and it is best to close the windows to prevent them from crawling into the house. If you do touch the caterpillar, you can take a warm bath and apply anti-allergy cream to soothe the itch. In case other symptoms appear or the swelling persists, you need to contact the health department immediately," the British authorities advised.

According to VNE