Warning: Killing This Bug In New York State Could Burn You

This one will make your skin crawl.

Recently, I was scrolling on social media and came across a video from influencer Thor Bradley. Some may recognize him as the man who chops wood, in a suggestive manner, shirtless on TikTok.

I digress.

Influencer Shares Scary Bug Burn Story on Instagram

In one of his latest videos (with his shirt on!) he shared that he found a bug crawling in his boot.

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A post shared by Thoren “Thor” Bradley (@bradley.thor)

The bug was a millipede and he unfortunately stepped on it, causing it to burst onto his sock and foot. This is where I learned that some millipedes and centipedes release a toxic liquid as a defense mechanism that could possibly harm humans.

Bradley explains he didn't move fast enough to wash the toxic liquid off his foot. In turn, his toes and foot turned purplish red with burn marks.

Warning this picture may be disturbing to some:

Thoren "Thor" Bradley, Instagram

Can Centipedes and Millipedes in New York State Burn You?

Bradley I believe lives out west, so I breathed a sigh of relief until I did what most people would do: Go to Google.

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So I did some research and it looks like there are a handful of centipedes and millipedes that can cause skin irritation like pictured above.

According to Bird Watching HQ, there are 7 different types of millipedes and centipedes found in New York State:

Black and Gold Flat Millipede
Greenhouse Millipede
Yellow-Legged Millipede
Brown Centipede
Eastern Red Centipede
House Centipede
Soil Centipedes

While none of them pose too much of a danger to humans, the Black and Gold Flat Millipede can give off a poisonous toxin.

inaturalist.org

The site writes:

The Black and Gold Flat Millipede is generally harmless to humans. However, is does have a cyanide-based defensive poison that can cause skin or eye irritation.

They go on to add "If you touch one, wash your hands right away to avoid any itchiness."

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Source: Warning: Killing This Bug In New York State Could Burn You

Filed Under: Hudson Valley, new york state, The Hudson Valley, Instagram, Bird Watching HQ, New York bugs

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