Maine Forest Service officials say a fungus and a virus are combining to help drive down the browntail moth population in the state.
browntail moth
Posted inHealth, Maine, News
Collapse of Maine’s browntail moth population brings a less itchy spring
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.
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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.
Posted inHealth, Maine, 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
Browntail moth mitigation efforts paying off in central Maine
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 inNorthern Forecaster, The Forecaster
No need for browntail moth control this year in Falmouth, town says
The town of Falmouth will forgo browntail moth control measures this year after an assessment shows a continued reduction of the moth in town. Davey Tree Experts’ assessment showed that no areas along public right of ways meet the “moderate” criteria, and much of the community is free from nests. The town advises residents to […]
Posted inMaine
As browntail moths emerge, Waterville launches experiment to limit exposure
City Councilor Thomas Klepach helps the city mitigate the effects of the browntail moth and is heading up tests at four city parks.
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.