Browntail Moths

​

The browntail moth is an invasive species found only on the coast of Maine and Cape Cod. This moth is an insect of both forest and human health concern.

​

The browntail moth caterpillar has tiny poisonous hairs that cause dermatitis similar to poison ivy on sensitive individuals. People may develop dermatitis from direct contact with the caterpillar or indirectly from contact with airborne hairs. The hairs become airborne from either being dislodged from the living or dead caterpillar or they come from cast skins with the caterpillar molts. Most people affected by the hairs develop a localized rash that will last for a few hours up to several days but on some sensitive individuals the rash can be severe and last for several weeks. The rash results from both a chemical reaction to a toxin in the hairs and a physical irritation as the barbed hairs become embedded in the skin. Respiratory distress from inhaling the hairs can be serious.

​

Caterpillars are active from April to late June. Hairs remain toxic throughout the summer but get washed into the soil and are less of a problem over time.

For more information:

 

https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/vector-borne/browntail-moth/index.shtml

 

Browntail Moth - Brochure

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_health/documents/browntail_moth_brochure.pdf

 

Browntail Moths - FAQ’s

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

​

Ticks

 

Maine has a variety of ticks that can carry diseases capable of infecting humans and pets. Residents of this lush, wooded state should always be careful when spending time outdoors. Ticks are not only found in the wild but can be found in homes, on clothing, on family pets, on horses, or on local walking trails. Always perform a tick check on yourself, loved ones and pets to spot any ticks that may have latched on after spending any amount of time outdoors.  Early detection and removal is essential to preventing an infection.

​

What Kind of Ticks are in Maine?

​

There are fifteen different types of ticks in Maine.The three most common types of ticks found in Maine are the American Dog Tick, the Blacklegged (Deer) Tick, and the Woodchuck / Groundhog Tick.

 

For more information:

https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/vector-borne/train-trainer/Companion.pdf

​

Wild Parsnip

​

Wild, or poisonous, parsnip is an invasive plant that grows abundantly along roadsides and in open fields throughout Maine. The foliage resembles celery leaves, but its umbels of small yellow flowers distinguish it from other plants. You should never eat wild parsnip and you should never touch it with bare hands because it could cause a painful skin reaction. It contains the toxin furanocoumarins, which can cause severe skin burns and blisters. This action is particularly true when the plants are exposed to sunlight. 

 

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/features/invasive_plants/pastinaca_sativa.pdf