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PublishedJuly 11, 2021
How browntail moths became such a big problem here in Maine
Efforts to defeat the moth started within days of its discovery in 1897 but, so far, the Old World invader has managed to hang on in New England.
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PublishedJuly 5, 2021
Here’s a simple trick to fend off browntail moth infestations
The invasive species is like any other forest pest that moves in outbreak cycles, which can last between seven and 10 years.
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PublishedJuly 5, 2021
Emergence of browntail moths across central Maine shows growing scope of outbreak
While the moths do not pose the same risk as the caterpillars, with their toxic, rash-causing hairs, the moths clearly illustrate the spread of the invasive species into central Maine.
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PublishedJune 18, 2021
Demand for browntail moth remedies spikes as pests’ rash spreads in central Maine
Pharmacies are seeing record-high demand for specialized rash sprays while consumers have also reported empty shelves at some local stores.
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PublishedJune 15, 2021
Our View: Maybe Maine’s pests are trying to tell us something
Ticks, browntail moths and whatever insect died on Wells Beach last week could be signs of a changing climate.
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PublishedJune 7, 2021
Waterville officials declare health emergency, launch media campaign to combat browntail moth caterpillar infestation
The city is posting notices at parks and playgrounds and on city websites and Facebook pages to inform people of the health hazards of browntail moth caterpillars.
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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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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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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.
Browntail moth
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