Brown Tail Moth

Browntail Moth (BTM) Update & Community Guidance

The Maine Forest Service (MFS) has been monitoring Browntail Moth (BTM) populations, which have been severe in many areas in recent years. In 2024, BTM populations declined, but localized infestations remain. Residents and towns should stay vigilant, as BTM caterpillars can cause skin rashes and respiratory issues due to their toxic hairs, which can persist for years in the environment.

BTM Monitoring & What You Can Do

• Recent Survey Findings:

  • Aerial surveys in Summer 2024 found BTM damage in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Somerset, and Penobscot counties.
  • Due to the patchy nature of infestations, local surveys are crucial.
  • Residents should check trees for overwintering webs between December and March for a better understanding of BTM populations.

• Interactive BTM Map:

  • MFS maintains an online Browntail Moth Dashboard, showing survey data and affected areas.

• How to Manage BTM:

  • The MFS website offers guidance on identification, control methods, and licensed professionals for tree care and pesticide application.
  • Web clipping in winter is a highly effective way to reduce BTM populations.
  • Early planning is encouraged, as demand for professional services is high.

Community Action & Education

To raise awareness and encourage management, towns and residents can:

• Host educational events about BTM risks and prevention.
• Organize group surveys to map infestations on public properties.
• Hold web-clipping events or contests to remove BTM webs before spring.

MFS provides technical support, educational materials, and newsletters to help residents and towns take action. Printed brochures are also available in limited quantities.

Looking Ahead

BTM populations may be starting to collapse, but ongoing monitoring is essential. The Maine Forest Service remains committed to providing assistance, education, and technical advice to help manage BTM.

Visit the Maine Forest Service BTM website to find:

• A description of the BTM and how to control it,
• Browntail Moth dashboard, an interactive map that can be used to view data from our various BTM surveys
• A list of Licensed Professional Arborists and Licensed Pesticide Applicators who conduct BTM control work­ those interested in hiring contractors for management should make contacts in the winter due to the high demand for services,
• Topics ranging from biology to management to State Law specific to BTM control near marine waters are found in the recently updated frequently asked questions page.

Parks

• Quarry (proper) - from the end of the pavement to the maintenance building.
• Chaplin Street Tot Lot
• Green Street Playground and Skate Park
• Grove Street Playground
• Hillside Tot Lot
• Judge Morton A. Brody Playground (located at the North Street Recreation Area)
• Kelsey Street Tot Lot
• Moor Street Playground
• Western Avenue Tot Lot
• Castonguay Square - located on Common St
• Head of Falls and RiverWalk - located on Front St
• Dave's Place Park - located on Drummond Avenue
• Veteran's Memorial Park - located on Park St

Ballfields

• Couture Softball Field - located on Water St
• Herlihy Softball Field - located in front of the Junior High School on West River Road
• High School Softball Field - located on Messalonskee Avenue
• Junior High Softball Field - located behind the Junior High School on West River Road
• Reed Softball Field - located on the corner of the Armory Road and Drummond Avenue
• Rummel's Softball Field - located at Pine Ridge Recreation Area on Louise Avenue

Brown Tail Moth Residential Survey

• View the Brown Tail Moth Residential Survey

There has been a brown tail moth (BTM) outbreak in Central Maine over the past several years. Brown-tailed moths are an invasive species of moth that pose a threat to human health in terms of exposure to the hairs on the caterpillar or larval stage. They can also cause significant ecological damage that can result in negative economic impacts on affected areas.

Peak hair exposure times are in May, June, and July, as highlighted in the lifecycle diagram.

The City of Waterville is currently engaged in a concerted response to this public health nuisance. We are collecting as much data about the distribution of the infestation in the Waterville area as possible to guide these efforts. The city has conducted a survey of all trees in public spaces. This includes municipal parks and recreational facilities, public schools, and other municipal spaces.

As part of the data collection efforts, we are asking private residents to complete a survey that aims to understand the distribution of BTM in Waterville. That survey can be found here (Waterville Brown Tail Moth Survey.) Please take the time to complete this survey, particularly if you have BTM on your property.

If you would like to receive email updates on the BTM infestation and mitigation efforts in Waterville and resources that are available to residents, please take the time to fill out the survey.

The city has contracted a licensed arborist to treat all affected trees in public spaces.

The City of Waterville will not be offering treatment for private residences this year, however, we will continue to have pole pruners available to freely borrow at the Waterville Public Library.

For more information and resources please visit the Maine State Forest Service website.