The forest pest — which causes an itchy rash that can last for weeks — may be entering the bust phase of its boom and bust cycle.
browntail moth
Posted inHealth, Maine
Browntail moth populations in Maine crashed in 2024, so expect a less itchy spring
Hairs from the browntail moth caterpillar cause a red, itchy rash that can linger for weeks.
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Posted inMaine, News
Fungus takes toll on Maine’s browntail moth populations
Ideal weather conditions for the fungus are helping kill browntail moth caterpillars, which cause an itchy rash in humans.
Posted inMaine, News
In Camden, a story of wealthy neighbors, ocean views and over $1.7 million in fines
An unusual case in Midcoast Maine, which involves feuding landowners and a town-owned beach, is still unfolding. It all started with a pesticide.
Posted inMaine, News
Browntail moth caterpillars may be facing ‘zombie’ apocalypse in Maine
A fungus that turns the rash-causing pests into the ‘crawling dead’ may lead to a sharp drop in browntail populations this year, scientists say.
Posted inMaine
Fingers crossed, Waterville and Augusta will avoid impact of browntail moth this year
The two cities have worked aggressively the last few years to mitigate browntail moth from public properties including parks, recreation fields, walking trails and other places people congregate.
Posted inMaine, News
Promising research at UMaine may help curtail browntail moths
Scientists are studying how to disrupt the moth’s mating patterns by using a synthetically made product to confuse male moths and drastically reduce their ability to reproduce.
Posted inMaine
Rainy, cold weather may have silver lining: fewer browntail moths
The weather conditions may have caused the proliferation of a fungus that kills the browntail moth caterpillars.
Posted inMaine, News
Maine CDC issues reminder about health threat posed by browntail moths
Mainers are urged to minimize exposure to the insect’s toxic hairs while doing yard work by covering up with a respirator and goggles and working when it’s damp.