One of our reporters, Becky Trout, wrote a story about the caterpillars for Palo Alto Online. Here's a link: Web Link

This is becoming a real problem! I can't ride my bike more than a hundred feet, it seems, without one of the caterpillars sticking to my shirt and tagging along for the ride. And the areas where these little critters conjugate are becomnig grotesque. I wonder what can be done...?

I thought I was the only one with this problem... These caterpillars are all over my garden and fruit trees. Can't get rid of them. Please help!

This is something that isn't apparent in my neighborhood, but I have certainly witnessed it in other areas of the city. I see that we now have local tv and radio talking about it.

Is it getting worse?

Which areas are most hit?

Is it spreading across town?

Is it something that is going to be an annual occurrance?

How long is it projected to go on?

Anyone with answers to these questions?

"The porch and front yard of the Women's Club of Palo Alto are covered with the critters. Member Emily Renzel said the caterpillars were also bad last year and the club plans to try to control the infestation."

How will Emily and her group decide to "control" these critters? I hope she is unwilling to use pesticides! Isn't she aware that pesticides are bad for the environment?

My 17 year old daughter sat down on a park bench not looking and leaned up against the back. She then realized it was covered in caterpillars. 1 day later and her back and shoulders are covered in hives.

I have been using a fly swatter but the number of the creatures is overwhelming.
Anyone have any ideas, how to get rid of them?