CLOSED: What is this?

Can anyone help me identify what this critter is? They are all over my bushes. Thank you!

Be very careful not to touch these; they are puss moth caterpillars (Megalopyge opercularis Lepidoptera: Megalopygidae), also known as asp caterpillars. Their 'fur' conceals venomous spines that can cause immediate intense pain when contacted by skin; more systemic symptoms also can occur - see http://tinyurl.com/myaa2c and http://tinyurl.com/qxmsh for detailed information.

Thank you so much for the information! How do I go about getting rid of these things? They really creep me out! Thanks.

They should be susceptible to any insecticide registered for homeowner use against caterpillars. You might first try a formulation containing a synthetic pyrethroid such as permethrin or cyfluthrin. or a bacterial based one containing Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (BTk), such as Dipel.

Thank you for the information. After researching these guys further, I have learned that it is not wise to use pesticides on them. It says that if you do, they will come back ten times worse. So my question is, what could I possibly use to get rid of them? We are becoming overrun by them. They are moving off of the bushes and onto the door and walls on the front porch. I am at a loss. Any suggestions?

Siti, here is some info for you on puss moth cats.Both sources are in Texas.

http://www.ci.arlington.tx.us/park/forestry/forestry_problempests_asp.html

http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/IPM/Landscape/F1/nStingingCaterpillars.htm

RE: "After researching these guys further, I have learned that it is not wise to use pesticides on them. It says that if you do, they will come back ten times worse."

What was your source for this information? Taken out of context, I would be highly suspicious of its validity.

i would be suspicious too. if you reduce the numbers, there is less to reproduce. i had these once in florida and Bt took care of the problem. they never came back except the occasional stray. suunto is not kidding about the stings from these. it is god-awful-painful!!! you do not want these things hanging on and around your house.

Siti, what you read is actually an old wives tale about stinging caterpillars...There appears to be a cycle to their numbers and it has to do with life cycles and weather and food supply, not with your using pesticide as directed and specified for Pus Moth caterpillars....We get Buckwing moth larvae here and their sting is breath-takingly painful. I ran across that same caveat in looking for a way to get rid of them. When I talked with folks at Cooperative Extension Service they recommended Bt or Spinosad.

Thank you everyone! I knew that sounded strange! They suggested picking each one off with tongs and dropping them in a bucket of soapy water! Ha, there are hundreds out there. So I will take your suggestions and get some pesticide. Thank you all for your help, I am not an insect person and am clueless about them.