Demand for browntail moth remedies spikes as pests’ rash spreads in central Maine

Pharmacies are seeing record-high demand for specialized rash sprays while consumers have also reported empty shelves at some local stores.

Our View: Maybe Maine’s pests are trying to tell us something

Ticks, browntail moths and whatever insect died on Wells Beach last week could be signs of a changing climate.

Browntail moth caterpillars already a big nuisance in Androscoggin County

Not only are the number of caterpillars increasing, but researchers are finding populations in central and western Maine for the first time since the caterpillars were identified in the state over 100 years ago.

Waterville officials declare public emergency from browntail moth, seek experts to help

The Waterville City Council held an emergency meeting Friday night to declare a public health emergency due to the citywide infestation of browntail moth caterpillars which are causing people to break out in severe rashes and have respiratory problems.

Browntail moth infestation treatment begins in Deering Oaks Park

Falmouth halts spraying for browntail moth

Large populations of browntail moths detected in many Waterville-area towns

Albion, Belgrade, China, Vassalboro and Winslow have large populations of the caterpillars.

Dry weather a boon for pest browntail moth caterpillars in central Maine

Recent drought conditions mean a natural fungus that keeps the infestation in check isn't happening, as the caterpillars with poisonous hairs decimate trees in some areas of the region.

Falmouth sees markedly fewer browntail moth nests due to spraying, fungus

The town sprayed 24 "high risk" roads to kill off browntail moths. Spraying helps fend off public health hazards caused by caterpillar hair; the effort was helped this year by a fungus that kills off the caterpillars, according to a state entomologist.

Forget ‘murder hornets,’ Maine officials warn itch-inducing caterpillars are coming back

Maine Department of Health and Human Services officials are urging the public to take precautions against browntail moth caterpillars, which are covered in toxic hairs that release into the air and can cause a skin reaction like poison ivy and trouble breathing if inhaled.