The question is, are they hazardous to the touch?

I found one on my shirt sleeve while riding my bike. I blew it off, but it had colorings that could be considered as a warning. Some caterpillars have hairs that easily come off and are very irritating on human skin.

It could also have been a bio-mimic of an irritating caterpillar.

I don't see the value is messing with them at all.

Joe - Thanks for commenting. I've heard that some kids get rashes from them. I agree, no need to take the chance. http://inmenlo.com/2015/04/01/tussok-moth-caterpillars-appear-to-be-making-their-mark-on-menlo-park/

OMG, fear the caterpillars? OK, listen up outdoor-phobes, unless they are some new exotic species, take it from this "Kid" who has grown up in this area for the past 60 years. It's OK to touch the caterpillars Mom...it's Oh-K.

The phrase "You can never be too careful" is woefully incorrect

Really?- Thanks for commenting. With so many great outdoor spaces, I'm personally happy to go to the places where I don't have to think about caterpillars falling on my hair and shoulders.

It's way more fun to make a spectator sport out of the little buggers. Wait until they start hanging down on long silk threads, then set up where you can watch bike riders meet up with them. Kids love this.

Web Link

"If you see the white hickory tussock moth caterpillar, don't touch it. The insect's fuzzy black spines contain venom to ward off predators, but can also also irritate human skin. The good news is the nasty rash it leaves behind is treatable with lotion and ice."

Web Link

"Walk around the house with a broom and sweep the climbing caterpillars into a pail of soapy water before they have a chance to spin their cocoons."

Web Link

Never grow up - Biking with these caterpillars could be quite challenging.

SquishEm- Thanks for sharing a remedy.

SoapyWater - Thanks for sharing how to get rid of them.

I think what's out there is a rusty tussock moth caterpillar.

Tussock moth caterpillars in general are not harmless to the touch, according to Web Link They are a pest to be avoided.

I am so glad to seee others wondering about this PROFOUND amount of moth caterpillars! We have 2 old oaks above our home and our house is COVERED on the outside! People make a mad dash into our doorway so they don't get a bunch dropping into their hair.

It's more of an "ick" factor I suppose, but is there an effective way to remove them from the surface of our home? I read soap and water but does that create a whole different mess??

Any practical advice is appreciated!

Olenka Villarreal- Thanks for commenting. Yes, it would be fantastic to know the best ways to get rid of them. It seems like the city power washes and sprays them with Bt-k.

http://www.menlopark.org/DocumentCenter/View/9900

Ms. Cheryl: By most of your responses over time, I'm convinced you are either the sister of SIRI, Android's assistant, or living inside the Magic 8 Ball.

1rst World Problems - Thanks for letting me know.