Spring Offensive Against Brown Tail Moths

It looks as though Brunswick and the surrounding areas have dodged a bullet with respect to the Browntail moth infestation this year. The long, cool, wet spring encouraged the growth of the Entomophoga Aulicae fungus, and if there is one thing our little Browntail friends do not like, this fungus is it. Kudos should also be given to those who showed the foresight to arrange for the both public and private spraying of trees. Not everyone escaped the infestation, however, and we urge you to speak with some homeowners who are so desperate that they are seriously considering selling their houses (we urge those homeowners to write to the paper so that others can be made aware of just how tough it can get).

Our state entomologist assures us that the moths will be back next year, and they could be back with a vengeance if Mother Nature and the fungus do not cooperate again — and the odds are that they will not. Now Mainers are both tough and smart. Their toughness makes them feel that they are not going to be scared by a few caterpillars, but their smarts should tell them that, in large numbers (remember each female lays 400 eggs) these little tree-eating, rashbringers can have quite an impact on the local economy and it would be wise to do everything reasonable to convince them to relocate to New York City.

We need to plan for next Spring, but there is also something we can do right now. Moths love light (duh!) and if you want to discourage nesting in your area, set up bug lights now. August is the month for the moths to fly, lay their eggs and start to spin their cocoons that will keep the winter cold out. In late May the larvae start to emerge from the nests and the cycle begins again. Come on fellow Brunswickians, we can’t keep hoping for a free ride from Mother Nature forever — let’s teach these little buggers a lesson they will never forget!

Michael Grant,
Brunswick