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HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — Fans attending the RBC Heritage tournament have been dealing with an unexpected and painful nuisance, according to officials on Friday.
The source of the discomfort is the tussock moth caterpillar. Despite their small size and furry appearance, these caterpillars are causing quite a stir at Harbour Town Golf Links, and they’re not being celebrated for their cuteness.
Attendees described the sensation of the caterpillars seemingly dropping from the sky, prompting them to establish a buddy system to stay vigilant against these falling pests.
One security guard recounted his unpleasant experience, explaining how a caterpillar landed on him, resulting in a rash that felt like a burning sensation.
“I was just sitting down to eat lunch,” he shared. “It was so painful, I had to put my sandwich down, which is something I rarely do.”
After his neck broke out in a rash, he ended up needing hydrocortisone cream and a shot.
Novant Health Dr. Shelly Graupner said they are causing rashes dozens of fans a day.
“I don’t know where they’re coming from that I’ve already had about five of them on me today,” Graupner said.
Graupner recommended that fans don’t touch them with their bare hands and instead flick them off with a fingernail or a piece of paper.
The caterpillars aren’t trying to hurt people with their hair. The orangish brown hairs are a defense mechanism called urticating hair which is designed to ward off predators.
The caterpillar is a South Carolina native and goes through a beautiful transformation later in the season.
If you notice a rash forming after a caterpillar falls on you, you can treat it with cortisone cream yourself or visit the Novant Health tents on hole one or 18 for help.