Hawaii County to Spray for Stinging Caterpillar

Hawai’i County plans to spray a Kailua, Kona park this week to control an outbreak of stinging nettle caterpillars.

The county will spray a nontoxic insecticide called Dipel DF on the black-and-white invasive species at Pualani Park Tuesday morning.

The insecticide doesn’t affect humans.

The caterpillar was first discovered on the Big Island at an ornamental palm nursery in Hilo.

It’s now established in Waiakea, Kea’au, Kurtistown and Hawaiian Paradise Park among other communities.

The insect’s bristly spines can sting those who touch them.

People can suffer itching, a persistent rash, welts and blisters lasting a couple of days.

Heavy infestations can defoliate plants in a few days.