Bad Fuzzy Wuzzy

I don't think I noticed our seasonal neighbors last year. However, I definitely noticed them this year! We have some sort of maple tree out in the yard and for the last couple weeks the tree has been crawling with these little yellow caterpillars. 

Aside from the creepy crawly thing not being a spider, weird bug or a snake, my kids want to play with every worm, caterpillar or moth they can get their paws on. 

I came outside the other morning to find the kids in a fuzzy, wuzzy frenzy. 

Lots and lots of little, yellow, fuzzy caterpillars crawling about arms and legs and fingers. 

Two children smiling with glee at their find. 

The poor little critters were being held captive by a paint-your-own bug box. Forced to do tricks and climb hand-over-hand like caged circus lions. 

Some participated in dire hopes of being called "good little fuzzy baby" and rewarded with the correct type of leaf for dinner in their holding cell, the duration of the sentence unknown.

Others curled up into the fetal position and either laid motionless sobbing or tried to play dead in hopes of being pitched into the lawn where they could attempt an escape.

 

I couldn't help but recall....

 

Ohhh but before you cry for the poor little, yellow, fuzzy, wuzzy caterpillars, I must let you know that these little babies are sneaky. The more my lovely children stroked and played with the little fellas (just before school mind you), the more these tiny little creatures began to unleash their wrath. 

Apparently, these new friends are the caterpillars of the American Dagger Moth. The caterpillar's hairs apparently can cause skin irritation. The more you touch, the more you start itching... Some people have mild itching, some end up with hives that last for days. 

We lucked out with only a few small bumps (all over their body) and itchy skin - thankfully no hives. I would say that they got what they deserved??

As the whining and complaining began to boil out over their lips, this, loving and caring, mother told her beautiful children, "Wash your hands and arms. No more whining. Stop itching, you are making it worse by itching. I am sorry, but hat's what you get for bugging and holding caterpillars hostage. We gotta get to school, now we are late."

Quick little dose of allergy medicine for my Brown Eyed Girl and a small prayer not receive a call from the school nurse.

 

Dear children, 

Please leave the darn bugs, spiders,flying things, crawling things, slimy things, and even caterpillars alone. Especially right before school!

Regards, 

Your mother.