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BROWNTAIL MOTH
Euproctis chrysorrhoea (L.)
General Information
The browntail moth is an insect of forest and human health concern which was accidently introduced into Somerville, Massachusetts from Europe in 1897. By 1913, the insect had spread to all of the New England states and New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Since that time, populations of this pest slowly decreased due to natural controls until the 1960's, when browntail moth was limited to Cape Cod and a few islands off the Maine coast in Casco Bay. Browntail moth populations are again building in Maine and are found in patches from the western Maine border to east of the Penobscot River. A map of the known distribution of the pest in Maine is linked below.
Browntail Moth Risk Map (PDF | 2 MB)
The larval stage (caterpillar) of this insect feeds on the foliage of hardwood trees and shrubs including: oak, shadbush, apple, cherry, beach plum, and rugosa rose. Larval feeding causes reduction of growth and occasional mortality of valued trees and shrubs. While feeding damage may cause some concern, the primary impact on humans by browntail moth results from contact with poisonous hairs produced by the caterpillars. Microscopic, toxic hairs break off the caterpillars and can be airborne or settled on surfaces in browntail moth infested areas. Sensitive individuals who encounter the hairs may develop a skin rash similar to poison ivy and/or trouble breathing. Symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks and can be severe in some individuals.
Background Information
- Got the Itch? Browntail Moth on Maine School Grounds: How to Recognize, Treat and Manage it.(Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Aired 11/17/16).
- Browntail Moth Brochure (PDF | 1.7 MB)
- Based on MFS Factsheets Browntail Moth, Browntail Moth Handling Precautions, Identifying Browntail Moth Winter Nests
- Browntail Moth in Maine History and Current Situation 2018 (PDF | 2.4 MB)
- Browntail Moth Life Cycle (PDF | .3 MB)
- Maine CDC Browntail Moth Information
Survey & Management Resources
- 2019 Browntail Moth Detection Survey (PDF | .3 MB)
- Maine Browntail Moth Roadside Population Assessment: Winter 2018 (PDF | 2.1 MB)
- List of Licensed Pesticide Applicators willing to treat Browntail Moth, Hemlock Woolly adelgid and/or Other Pests
- List of Arborists willing to PRUNE browntail webs in the winter (PDF | .07 MB)
- Browntail Moth Citizen Science Survey Form (PDF | .1 MB)
Frequently Asked Questions
Video on Removing Browntail Caterpillar Nests
Removing Browntail Caterpillar Nests from Jeff Fischer on Vimeo.
Maine Browntail Moth Roadside
Population Assessment: Winter 2018 (PDF | 2.1 MB)
Use extreme caution if burning webs. Never burn unless the branches have been clipped off. This type of burning requires a burn permit. FMI, please visit www.maineburnpermit.com and check the daily forest fire danger report.
