gypsy moth allergy

10 years ago

I live on Cape Cod. My area has had a terrible gypsy moth infestation. I started with a horrible allergic reaction to them about a week ago. Large red welts. Has anyone else experienced this?

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NHBabs z4b-5a NH

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

I garden in long pants all summer due to contact grass allergies - for me avoidance is key, so I also have a HEPA filter in the house to remove airborne allergens. DH is allergic to the bites of blackflies which infest NH during May every year. He finds the effect cumulative over the course of the month each year, so starts with welts, but has had a systemic reaction where he was getting hives all over and starting to swell up. Happily a neighbor had some epinephrine, and another neighbor who is a doctor injected it, but it was scary there for a while. He now is really careful to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves, long pants and gloves if he is working outside, though he mostly avoids that, and he carries an epipen religiously for that month. So that's why I suggested you talk with your doctor - it has the potential to get worse with increased exposure, though it may not. Do your best to avoid exposure, but have a plan in case it gets worse.

I agree that spraying in place with oil might be more safe than vacuuming for you, or else have someone else do it. I'd also research preventive treatments for next year, some of which are mentioned on the gypsy moth thread.

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Comments (8)

NHBabs z4b-5a NH
10 years ago
Sympathies! Talk to your doctor about an epipen and do your best to avoid contact.
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claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
10 years ago
Allergies to gypsy moths are pretty common, unfortunately. See UMass Gypsy Moth Factsheet.

"Gypsy moth caterpillars have numerous hairs on their bodies, as do the adults. Many people experience allergy-type reactions to these hairs. Symptoms range from itchy skin irritation to sinus allergies with itchy eyes and a runny nose."

We have the nasty infestation here in Plymouth, too. It's winding down now but the egg masses are all over the place and you may be allergic to them too. I agree with NHBabs - it's a good idea to talk to your doctor.

Claire
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claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
10 years ago
These are gypsy moth egg masses on an oak trunk, with a few adult female moths. Stay away from anything that looks like this (brown felty blobs)!

Claire
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beara123
Original Author
10 years ago
I look like I have leprosy . Very painful giant blisters all over , including in my mouth . Thank you all for your responses . No gardening for me , until they are gone . Just had a third hatching of moths . 500 acres of conservation land behind me with lots of oak trees adjacent to my 1 acre . Even my 2 dogs hesitant to go out . Looking forward to September.
beara123
Original Author
10 years ago
I have seen the hundreds of egg masses, but will wait until September to destroy them . A friend told me to use wet vac , then put eggs in jars of dish detergent and water . I cannot have property sprayed , as have a Koi Pond , only do organics , but even these dangerous to the Koi .
claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
If you're that allergic, beara, I would hesitate to vacuum them and handle any jars for fear of a worse reaction.

There is an oil product you can use to spray the egg masses and then just leave them on the tree or wherever without having to touch anything besides the sprayer. I posted some information on the What can you tell me about gypsy moths? thread.

Clair
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Marie Tulin Boston burbs z 6a
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Hi,

NH Babs was writing while I was too. I'm glad she told you about her first hand experience . I'm not an alarmist or a physician, butf you haven't already, I encourage you to call your Urgent Care department tonight/today. Your reaction is quite severe and needs attention. If you develop any trouble at all breathing get to the emergency department. If I were you, I'd want a doc to see me now.

I kept bees for several years. Over my life time I'd been stung but got stung more often when I was bee keeping. My reactions actually got worse and I asked my doc for an epi pen when I started swelling from stings. I don't keep bees any more, but I'm glad I had the epi pen if I needed it.

Marie
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