Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension are providing four free presentations on browntail moth management and exposure prevention this month.
In 2016, hundreds of people in the central coastal area of Maine were impacted by this invasive insect. The caterpillars release tiny hairs that cause itchy, poison ivy-like, rashes and sometimes respiratory distress.
The browntail moth infestation is expected to be much larger in 2017. In fall surveys conducted by the Maine Forest Service, caterpillar webs were spotted at the tops of oak and apple trees from York to Washington County. These webs contain the spring generation of browntail moth caterpillars, which will begin to emerge in May.
State experts will hold four hour-long presentations devoted to understanding the biology, management and possible health impacts of the browntail moth. The presentations and answer sessions will be provided by speakers from UMCE and DACF.
These four free presentations will cover browntail moth management and exposure prevention. Space is limited, and preregistration is requested.
* Lithgow Library, Augusta, 2 p.m. Feb. 17
* Patten Free Library, Bath, 6 p.m. Feb. 22
* The Morris Farm, Wiscasset, 6 p.m. Feb. 27
* Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, Kennebunkport, 6 p.m. Feb. 28
Updates on the state of browntail moth infestation and monitoring in Maine will be provided by UMCE and DACF staff. Local health experts will provide updates on the health impacts of browntail moth. Staff members from the Maine Board of Pesticides Control will answer questions about pesticides for control of browntail moth.
Additional collaborators include the city of Bath and Kennebec Estuary Land Trust.
To register, please go to maine.gov/healthylawns or call 207-287-2731.
