are moths dangerous to touch?
202329
While moths are universally harmless, some caterpillars have stinging spines or hairs. ... The hairs of these caterpillars are particularly troubling because they can become airborne; the hairs are irritating when they touch the skin, but if inhaled they can cause allergic reactions.
76480
The sting of a cinnabar moth caterpillar can trigger asthma, hemorrhaging, and potentially lethal kidney failure. It can also attack the cartilage in the bones, causing extreme joint inflammation which can have permanent effects.
1168370
Are mothballs toxic? The chemicals in mothballs are toxic to humans and pets. People are exposed to the chemicals in mothballs by inhaling the fumes. If you smell mothballs, you are being exposed to these chemicals.
1010731
Some of the hairs on this caterpillar have barbs, and can get stuck in your skin. They then break off, leaving small 'little spears' in your skin which can cause an allergic reaction. ... Is the hickory tussock moth caterpillar poisonous? No, however it is venomous.
280884
Caterpillars are fun to watch and touch, but the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center warns that they can be poisonous to pets. Caterpillars have two types of hair: urticating and stinging. Urticating hairs are itchy, non-venomous and can cause localized dermatitis by mechanical irritation or foreign body reaction.
116915
The chemicals in mothballs are toxic to humans and pets. ... Some of the chemicals in mothballs can cause reversible health effects that include headaches, nausea, eye and nose irritation and coughing. Exposure to naphthalene can cause more serious effects, including hemolytic anemia.
262219
Like many flying insects, moths are able to find their way partly by using light as a compass. ... As it does so, it spirals in toward the light and might end up drawn into the flame. Another theory says that light sources which emit ultraviolet light as well as visible light attract moths.
1058716
The oak processionary moth caterpillars are covered in poisonous hairs which can cause respiratory problems, rashes, itching and eye irritation in both humans and animals when blown in the wind. And large populations can strip bare large parts of oak trees, leaving them vulnerable to attack by other pests and diseases.
814394
This moth is a significant pest because the caterpillars have voracious appetites for more than 300 species of trees and shrubs, posing a danger to North America's forests. The caterpillars defoliate trees, leaving trees vulnerable to diseases and other pests and can eventually kill the tree.
17210
Most adult moths aren't physically able to bite you. ... Injury from exposure to these moths' spines can be significant. Giant silkworm moth larvae and flannel moth caterpillars are specifically noted for their ability to cause a painful sting. Most types of moths are only poisonous if they're consumed.
381256
To a moth in danger, flying toward the light (which is usually in the sky, or at least upward) tends to be a more advantageous response than flying toward darkness (which is usually downward). Moths are more sensitive to some wavelengths of light -- ultraviolet, for example -- than they are to others.
1128978
By default, any manmade fibre carpet is moth proof but most of the wool manufacturers are treating there carpets against moth infestation now. ... We recommend vacuuming in areas such as skirting boards, not forgetting to vacuum both sides of a rug for example.
502475
Salamanders are not dangerous to humans, they are shy and cryptic animals, and are completely harmless if they are not handled or touched. Handling any salamander and then rubbing your eyes or mucous membranes has the potential to cause irritation and discomfort.
311000
Neither weevils or flour mites bite, sting or poison, so aren't dangerous to touch. But what happens if you eat flour mites or weevils – are they harmful? If you eat flour with weevils they are unlikely to harm you, so don't be too concerned if you've used the contaminated product beforehand.
1368409
Clothes moths are weak flyers and are not attracted to lights. They tend to hide when disturbed, and for this reason, infestations of clothes moths are not usually noticed until damaged woolens, furs, or feathers are found. ... The webbing clothes moth is the most common fabric moth.
813263
Indoors, homeowners most likely encounter moths that are either feeding on stored pantry items or on fabrics. Although they are most famous for their ability to ruin wool clothing, webbing clothes moths are also attracted to a variety of other natural materials, including silk, hair, felt, fur and feathers.
1386733
Moths are also a symbol of vulnerability due to their fragile structure. They remind us of the need to be vulnerable at times without being ashamed to demonstrate our vulnerability. Moths are attracted to light, and because of that, they are a symbol of attraction to something which could potentially be harmful.