The browntail moth caterpillar has tiny poisonous hairs that cause
a rash similar to poison ivy on sensitive individuals that will usually last
for a few hours up to several days. On some sensitive individuals, the rash can
be severe and last for several weeks. People may develop a rash from direct
contact with the caterpillar or indirectly from contact with airborne hairs.
The rash results from both a chemical reaction to a toxin in the hairs and a
physical irritation as the barbed hairs become embedded in the skin. Respiratory
distress from inhaling the hairs can be serious.
Caterpillars are active from April to late June. Hairs remain toxic
throughout the summer but get washed into the soil and are less of a problem
over time.
The Maine Forest Service is receiving increased reports of caterpillars
and their webs. Maine has known populations of browntail moths in Bowdoinham,
Bath, Topsham, West Bath, Woolwich (Sagadahoc County) Brunswick, Freeport and
Harpswell (Cumberland County) this year. The infestation is expanding south
into Yarmouth and Cumberland (Cumberland County) and east into Wiscasset,
Edgecomb and Boothbay (Lincoln County) and beyond.
The Maine Forest Service has seen pockets of infestation, some of
them heavy, in other locations from Turner (Androscoggin County) to Waterville
(Kennebec County) to Bristol (Lincoln County) to Kittery (York County).
Browntail moth control may be occurring in certain areas, but the
risk to the public remains high in affected areas.
Recommendations to reduce exposure:
- Avoid
places heavily infested by caterpillars.
- Take
a cool shower and change clothes after any activity that might involve
contact with browntail moth hairs.
- Dry laundry
inside during June and July to avoid having the hair become impregnated in
clothing.
- Wear
respirator, goggles and coveralls tightly closed at neck, wrists and ankles
when performing activities that stir up caterpillar hairs such as mowing,
raking, weed whacking and removing pupal webbing from eaves and
boats. Perform these tasks on damp days or wet down material with a
hose to help keep the hairs from becoming airborne.
For more information:
- Maine
Forest Service Browntail moth webpage: http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_health/invasive_threats/browntail_moth_info.htm
