Brown tail moth season is officially here.

Brown tail moth season is officially upon us. The season kicks off in April and runs strong through June. These pesky bugs have been making their nests and working their way out as the weather warms. The Downeast faces a big problem with these caterpillars through the spring and earlysummer months, and Mainers need to remain vigilant.

The brown tail moth has been declared a Public Health Nuisance by the Maine CDC because of their invasive nature and problems for citizen’s health. This declaration allows public municipal funds to be used on private lands in order to control the brown tail moth population.

Brown tail moth nests can be found in trees and bushes, but are found most commonly in twig ends in oak, apple, shadbush, cherry, beach plum, and rugosa rose trees. These nests are typically two to five inches in length and are constructed of a thick white silk. They often wrap around the leaves and twigs of a tree, and contain small brown hairy larvae within the silk.

The brown tail moth caterpillar hairs are toxic to humans and cause a painful and irritating rash after contacting skin. These hairs can be airborne when they break free of the nest and off of the caterpillars’ bodies. Because of this, the hairs can also be ingested and cause breathing difficulties and headaches. If you experience this, contact your doctor immediately.

In the fall and winter, if you see nests beginning to be spun, you can cut them down to prevent the spread of further populations. During this time (and during the season) when cutting down nests, you must either burn the nests or soak them in water with dish soap for three to five days to make sure the nest is no longer a threat to your health.

Even though brown tail moth rash seems inevitable this time of year, there are many ways to protect yourself before and after exposure. In order to reduce your risk of exposure, wear long sleeve shirts and pants to reduce exposed skin, and wear a mask when possible to prevent inhalation.

If you think you have come in contact and have the hairs on your body or clothes, immediately put your clothes in the dryer on hot and take a shower to clean any toxins off your body to reduce the risk of developing a rash. Do not dry towels or clothes outside this time of year because the airborne hairs can attach to your clothes before you even put them on.

If you are exposed to brown tail moth and develop a rash, there are many treatments available for relief. Browntail Moth Rash Relief Spray is made locally in Blue Hill, Maine, and is proven safe and effective against the rash. Browntail Moth Rash Relief Spray is all natural and provides instant relief from the itching and pain of the rash.

As we get deeper into the brown tail moth season, use caution when outside, and do what you can to protect yourself and your neighbors from these pests. For more information visit:

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_health/invasive_threats/browntail_moth_info.htm

Brown tail moth caterpillars emerging from their nest.