Brown tailed moth caterpillars

Date published: 13th May 2025

Brown tailed moth caterpillars have been sighted in the Sunken Gardens, on the West Cliff in Cromer.

They can be harmful to humans and pets if they come into direct contact with them.

Hairs on the brown-tail moth caterpillars can break off as barbs, causing skin rashes, headaches, and, in extreme cases, breathing difficulties.

The caterpillars are brown with red and white markings, and create silken ‘tents’ to dwell in.

The paths and Sunken Gardens remain open for people to enjoy, visitors are asked to exercise caution, and signs have been erected to advise the public to avoid going near the nest or the caterpillars.

It is unlikely that any form of treatment will be undertaken, as per the advice from Natural England. Removal methods are either not easily controlled or risk a detrimental effect to the existing natural environment, nor do they guarantee the removal of all the caterpillars.

The caterpillars are expected to remain until early June, when they will form chrysalises, before taking flight as moths in July.

If direct contact is made, the public are advised to wash their hands in soapy water and clean their eyes with eyewash and to seek medical advice if the symptoms are severe or persistent.