AUGUSTA – The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), Maine Forest Service (MFS), and 211 Maine remind Maine residents and visitors to protect themselves from browntail moth hairs this fall.
Maine Forest Service has found evidence of browntail moths in all 16 Maine counties. Browntail moth caterpillars shed tiny toxic hairs that can get stirred up during outdoor activities such as raking, mowing, and typical fall yard work. The browntail moth hairs can cause a skin rash similar to poison ivy and, when they become airborne, can cause trouble breathing if inhaled. The hairs can remain in the environment for up to three years.
Most people affected by the hairs develop a localized rash that lasts for a few hours up to several days. In some people, the rash can be severe and last for weeks. Hairs may also cause respiratory distress. Treatment for the rash or breathing problems caused by browntail moth hairs focuses on relieving symptoms and eliminating further exposure.
To reduce exposure to browntail moth hairs:
- Avoid places infested by caterpillars. Visit the Interactive Browntail Moth Dashboard to see where MFS notes high activity.
- When performing outdoor activities that may stir up caterpillar hairs:
- Aim for damp days or spray vegetation down with a hose. Moisture helps keep the hairs from becoming airborne.
- Cover your face and any exposed skin by wearing a long sleeve shirt, long pants, goggles, a respirator/dust mask, a hat, and a disposable coverall.
- Tightly secure your clothing around the neck, wrists, and ankles.
- Avoid using leaf blowers in areas known to have large infestations.
- Take cool showers and change clothes after outdoor activities in infested areas.
- Dry laundry inside to avoid getting hairs on clothing.
For more information:
Contact 211 Maine for answers to frequently asked questions on browntail moths:
- Dial 211 (or 1-866-811-5695)
- Text your zip code to 898-211