AboutNathan Riggs Expertise I have expertise in identifying and diagnosing insects, spiders, and other arthropod critters that infest lawns, ornamentals, structures, trees, pets and livestock. Mites are not a strong point of mine, but I can provide some help. I'm not a licensed doctor, so I cannot provide medical diagnosis of conditions possibly related to insects. If you've got an interesting photo for me to see, let me know and I'll give you my email so the picture will get to me. If you have hosted an insect photo on a website, please include the link so I can go look at it and provide a faster ID for you. Don't forget...you can now attach pictures to your questions as well!
Experience 17 Years' Experience as an entomologist: 5 years as a biologist with Merck Animal Health and 7 years as a Pest Management Specialist in San Antonio, Texas with Texas Cooperative Extension.
Organizations Publications Veterinary Parasitology, Southwestern Entomologist, San Antonio Express News, San Antonio Gardener Newsletter
Publications Veterinary Parasitology, Southwestern Entomologist, San Antonio Express News, San Antonio Gardener Newsletter
Education/Credentials BS - Entomology from Texas A&M University in 1992.
Board Certified Entomologist, 1996-2000 - Medical and Veterinary Entomology Specialty (Entomological Society of America)
Awards and Honors 2000 Texas A&M University Vice Chancellor's Award in Excellence for leadership on the Texas Fire Ant Program Educational Team.
Question My granddaughter spotted a large stick bug about 4 inches long with a baby next to it, the bugs were between the screen and drain pipe next to the pool cage. My granddaughter pushed in on the screen near the bugs and the larger of the two shot a milky white fluid out and through the screen into my granddaughters eye, she started screaming and crying saying her eye was burning. I immediately started flushing the eye with cold water and the pain did subside after a couple minutes. I remember stick bugs as a child but never one that shot a venom like this. Can you help. Thanks again, Anita Marshall
Answer Anita:
Stick insects are pretty unique in appearance, so I'll take your word that you are indeed dealing with stick insects.
If so, you have found a mating pair. Males are smaller than females and have a picher-type structure at the end of their abdomens.
Stick insects DO NOT produce venom, they DO NOT bite and they DO NOT sting. HOWEVER... they produce a defensive secretion that contains cyanide-like compounds that have been known to burn the skin and eyes of predators or other animals that are threatening them.
The treatments you performed on your granddaughter were correct. Flushing the area with lots of water is a big help. Keep an "eye" on things and don't hesitate to seek medical attention if things progress in a negative manner.
