It was a quiet Saturday morning when I set out to give my car a thorough cleaning.

Everything was routine until I reached beneath the back seat and felt something unusual—dry, rigid, and oddly textured. Pulling it out, I noticed tiny spine-like hairs covering the object.

Unsure what it was, I sealed it in a bag and searched online. To my surprise, it resembled the shed skin of a Lonomia caterpillar, a species known for its venomous spines.

Though native to South America, experts say such insects can occasionally appear elsewhere through accidental transport.

Not wanting to take chances, I contacted a local pest control company. They confirmed the identification and carefully handled the removal. To be safe, they inspected the entire vehicle, from vents to upholstery, checking for any live insects. Fortunately, the car was clear, but the unsettling experience made me realize how easily something potentially harmful had slipped into a space I thought was completely secure.

Standing in the driveway afterward, I reflected on the sense of safety I had always associated with my car. It had been my bubble, a place I never thought to question. Discovering something hazardous hidden beneath the seat showed me that risks can appear in unexpected places, often without any clear warning.

Since then, I’ve adjusted my habits. I keep gloves handy in the car, avoid touching unfamiliar objects directly, and stay alert to anything unusual. What began as a simple cleaning routine became a lasting reminder: real safety isn’t just about seatbelts and locks—it’s also about awareness, even in the most ordinary spaces.