The distinctive caterpillars, which are brown, hairy and around 3cm long, are usually found close to beaches.

They also have a series of white marks down the side and a characteristic pair of orangey-red ‘warts’ at the rear end.

They spend the winter months in webbing nests and emerge in the spring to feed until around the end of May.

Although occasionally found on oak trees, brown-tail moth larvae are much more common on hedgerow trees such as blackthorn and hawthorn or on scrubby plants, especially bramble.

Brown tail moth caterpillars are native to mainland Europe and are believed to have accidentally arrived in Britain in 2005 via Dutch trees imported from the continent.

They have become common on the South Coast, Wales and some coastal regions further north.

Members of the public are being advised not to touch the caterpillars as their hairs, which readily break off, contain a toxin which can remain active for up to five years after being shed.

They can also trigger headaches and, more rarely, breathing difficulties and eye problems.

In 2011, the Daily Echo reported three women and two girls were left covered by an itchy rash after a day at the beach in Southbourne.

Bournemouth council’s seafront operations manager, Andrew Brown, said: “The exceptionally warm weather recently means that brown-tail moth caterpillars are experiencing a breeding boom across the UK.

“Sightings of the caterpillar near the beach can be reported to a member of the seafront team on 01202 451781 or via email to bournemouth.seafront@bournemouth.gov.uk

“Anyone with health concerns should seek advice from the NHS on 111 or their GP.”

Last month, parts of Budleigh Salterton beachfront in East Devon had to be cordoned off following an invasion of the caterpillars caused by a sustained period of good weather.

Infestations were also reported in Norfolk, London and the South East.