View as a webpage  /  Share [ [link removed] ]



NISAW 2025 Logo [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________



NISAW: Browntail Moth Spotlight

*Browntail Moth*" (Euproctis chrysorrhoea L.) "decreased in some areas in 2025, but are still elevated in others. Check trees this winter to see whether your community will be impacted by browntail moth this spring. If you find them, take action to make a difference!

A picture of a browntail moth winter web and a browntail moth caterpillar

Image: (Left) A browntail moth palm-sized winter web in March. (Right) A late instar browntail moth caterpillar in June. Photos: Brittany Schappach, Maine Forest Service.

________________________________________________________________________



Browntail Moth (BTM) is an invasive insect of forest and human health concern that feeds on oak, apple, cherry, crabapple, elm, birch, popular, shadbush, and rugosa rose bushes in Maine. BTM caterpillars have irritating hairs that break off their bodies and settle in the environment; causing an itchy rash for humans that come in contact with the hairs.

*In the winter*, look for palm-sized BTM winter webs at the tips of trees to see if you may be dealing with BTM caterpillars in the spring and summer.


* *Scout for and remove winter webs* with hand snips or an extendable pole pruner in areas you can safely reach. Destroy webs in a contained fire or soak the webs in a bucket of soapy water for a few days before disposing.
* *Find professional help if you can't reach and remove winter webs*. Licensed arborists [ [link removed] ] and FAA-certified drone operators [ [link removed] ] may be able to help you remove webs or treat your infested trees to reduce BTM populations.
* *Insecticide treatments* in mid-April to mid-May may also be effective at reducing populations.

*In mid-April*, BTM caterpillars will emerge from their winter webs and begin feeding on the buds and leaves of their host trees until late June. 


* *Learn how to identify the browntail caterpillar* and avoid areas where these caterpillars have been.
* *Change clothes and shower* after working in infested areas to wash away irritating hairs and prevent the rash.
* *Keep outdoor lights off in July* to dissuade BTM adult moths from flying near your dooryard and laying eggs in nearby trees.

More about BTM [ [link removed] ]



Maine State Government is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

[ [link removed] ]

Facebook [ [link removed] ] Twitter [ [link removed] ] Email Updates [ [link removed] ]

Manage Preferences [ [link removed] ] | Unsubscribe [ [link removed] ] | Help [ [link removed] ] | Credits [ [link removed] ] | Contact Us [ [link removed] ]





________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry · 18 Elkins Lane, Harlow Building · Augusta, ME 04333 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]