The Asp Wrangler For A Day 
Summer and searing heat are just ahead, it’s time to introduce you to the Texas Asp.
One morning while pruning roses I noticed these furry cream-colored caterpillars. I grabbed my camera and started clicking. Something about them was familiar, I just could not put my finger on it. I had taken photos of critters all week so my husband was not surprised I discovered something new. Curiosity got the best of me, I had to see what kind of caterpillar they were. I had thoughts of beautiful butterflies flying around my yard.
To my surprise and horror, they were Asp! If you are not from the South you can’t fully appreciate the terror growing within. It is close to impossible to kill them. When you get stung by an Asp it’s like having acid poured on you. Their hairs can get embedded in the skin and every time you touch the area it’s like a new dose of acid.
When I was a kid one fell from the porch ceiling at my grandparent’s house. It fell down the back of my shirt. I was screaming and crying so hard it was difficult to stop to tell granny something was on my back. They leave a mark that looks like a branding iron. My back looked like red tire tracks. With this memory, I had to go out the next morning a find them not only for me but for our pets.
Like a scene from Mission Impossible, I found three. I had read how hard they are to kill so I carefully put them in a sealed plastic bag and let them bake in the Texas heat. This method worked beautifully. I knew there were at least two others and did find one the next day. I look every day and can’t prune my favorite rose without thinking one is still on the loose. I was The Asp Wrangler.
If stung, take clear tape and carefully put it over the area.
Pull slowly in the opposite direction of the hair.
It will pull the hairs out. Make sure all are gone or you’ll get a reminder every time touched.
XO Warrior
FUN Post from 2009
Looking for the Light 
This is a Halloween Horror story right here.
Very imaginitave! ;0
I.just dropped by to say hello
You have been so good for visiting
Me, and I have been poor as to my response,I am trying to get use to my new normal which is not easy
Thank you for all.your support and encouragement
As.Sheldon Always
Hugs my friend!
Sending my love!
Probably a year ago I was taking pictures of one and had this strong urge to pet it!!!!! Thankfully I did not. Came inside and looked it up and was horrified!! I immediately posted it for my friends with children here in Florida because I know if I wanted to touch it then any child would too!!!!! It reminded me of donald trumps hair. I have no idea why. But I laughed at that later and thankfully did not touch it.
Thank goodness you didn’t pet. Their furry killer fur is so inviting. Any kid would want to play with but only one. They can have more tan/brownish hair. I would want to step on. I’m sure your friends were happy for the photos. 🙂
Donald Trump’s hair would be so much worse, luckily no one wants to pet that nasty comb over.
Lol!!!!
Ok this is the actual scariest thing I’ve read today and it is Halloween. lol
So glad you don’t live in Texas right? It’s true as hell. 🙂
Never even been to Texas! But now that creature lives on in my mind. And here I thought rattlesnakes and scorpions were public enemy number one there 🙂
Oh there’s more on the list, alligators have made their way to southern Texas. The list grows. Sounds like a freak show at circus. Ya’ll come down ya here? 🙂
yikes
There aren’t many crocs or gators but a couple of years ago a huge one was found in a populated city park pond. So glad I didn’t have small animals walking around. 🙂
The rattlesnakes alone make me say- no way lol. I am terrified of snakes and now throw in gators? I may never get to Texas hehe
I always thought when I grew up I would move and find a great town of my choice to live. The places I love are very hot places or in other countries. We know how stable governments are these days.
I’m still growing up 😛
Actually it’s possible I would die if grew up. I’m 54, sick, in house four years, I’m ready to live!!!!! I drove yesterday for the first time in 4 years. Come by later for the celebration.
🙂
Well…..you’ll miss out not seeing the great state of Texas, but don’t blame you. What I can say is if you live where housing prices are thru the roof, Texas will blow your mind. People from CA come here from 1,300 sg ft and owe over a mil, buy a new house four times as big, security for neighborhoods. They were buying 400K homes and felt rich. 🙂
Yeah here is expensive. But no rattlesnakes haha
Is the trade off worth not coming here? Rattlesnakes are rare if at all in the city. There sand snakes for the most part.
I’ve been thinking about Maine actually, vacationed there once and loved it. The south is just so different from the midwest. Been to AZ and it was interesting.
I love AZ is so hot and you will encounter rattlers there. I wanted to move there when we retired but the things I enjoyed were not the activities an old lady would do. Sedona is fab but same. Remember sandy areas are where the snakes are. I haven’t been but looks beautiful. Isn’t real estate high there from the Midwest. Have a great day.
Packing you bags yet?
uh well… lol
Now is the perfect time to come, really anytime until round June. Then it slowly turns to the Devil’s hell is so hot. Humid, I’m a native and it still kicks my ass.
Incredible pics. Excuse my lack of knowledge, I’d never tell these were caterpillars.
Thank you for the kind words. Sounds like we have much in common and could maybe work together one some projects. 🙂
Yeah sure, why not.
When the project or post is right we’ll know it. Probably after we know each other a bit longer. Have a great day.
Exactly.
You’re a bit harder to get to know without an About Page. I’m sure it’s intentional, I don’t take you as someone who doesn’t think before act.
I’m pretty new at blogging. Will do it one day. For now, you can check ‘my profile’ by clicking on my pic.
If I can help let me know. Have a great day.
Well yeah, sure. Thanks. How do you do it? 🙂 How do you insert the ‘about’ button?
The WP system is so screwed up. Email me if you would and I can make more sense that talking thru comments. msandorm@verizon.net 🙂
Ouch…I had no idea !
Beware, they hurt like acid. 🙂
How horrifying!
They are and you won’t forget it! 🙂
wow
Just never know what you’ll face in Texas!
Reblogged this on Survivors Blog Here.