Browntail moth
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PublishedJune 8, 2021
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.
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PublishedJune 4, 2021
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.
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PublishedMay 18, 2021
Browntail moth infestation treatment begins in Deering Oaks Park
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PublishedFebruary 23, 2021
Falmouth halts spraying for browntail moth
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PublishedFebruary 5, 2021
Large populations of browntail moths detected in many Waterville-area towns
Albion, Belgrade, China, Vassalboro and Winslow have large populations of the caterpillars.
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PublishedJune 27, 2020
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.
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PublishedJune 2, 2020
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.
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PublishedMay 7, 2020
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.
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PublishedDecember 4, 2019
Now’s the time to get rid of pesky caterpillars, Maine says
Winter is prime time to remove browntail moth caterpillars, which can cause a painful rash in humans.
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PublishedDecember 4, 2019
State issues reminder to eliminate browntail moth caterpillars
The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry wants people to kill the insects, which are harmful to both humans and trees, before they become active again in the spring.
