Frequently asked questions

Do you sell firewood?
No, but Hawkes Firewood in Phippsburg does. The phone number to their office is (207) 389-2038
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, we currently have ten (10) Maine First Class Utility and Landscape Arborists on staff, one (1) Maine BPC Commercial Master Applicator, and four (4) Maine BPC Commercial Operators. We are fully insured with general liability and workers compensation as well as several other policies that we hold. For more information please contact our office, (207) 442–7444.
Are you available to work on Saturday and Sunday?
Yes, upon advanced request we are available for weekend work.

PEST MANAGEMENT

Do you treat for Browntail Moths? Or Ticks and Mosquitos? What if I live near water?

Yes, we have treatment programs for all of them including treatment options that follow the State of Maine pesticide regulations for shoreland zones. Give us a call today for a free estimate and let us discuss a treatment program with you!

What is Browntail Moth?

Browntail Moth caterpillars are extremely active defoliators and can eat the leaves off mature hardwood trees in a matter of days.

Browntail Moth also has a health impact to humans due to the toxins that the mature BTM caterpillars develop in their hairs. If these hairs come into contact with your skin, they can create an itchy or burning rash sensation similar to that of Poison Ivy. If inhaled, the hairs can even cause severe respiratory issues.

The BrownTail Moth caterpillars – Large larvae, about 1 1/2 inches long, are dark brown and have a broken white stripe on each side of the body and conspicuous, unpaired, reddish spots on the posterior end of the back.

What are the symptoms of browntail moth toxin exposure?

A skin rash on any part of your body that was exposed. The rash tends to be red, bumpy, and itchy. It can cause discomfort for hours to weeks.

Respiratory issues such as breathing difficulty can occur if the browntail moth hairs are inhaled.

When is the greatest risk of getting the rash?

The greatest risk for exposure to the toxic hairs is between April and July.Caterpillars, shed skins, and cocoons all have toxic hairs. The toxin is stable in the environment for one to three years and hairs can become airborne at any time.

When will the caterpillars be active?

The caterpillars are active at two times of the year. In mid-April, they emerge from their winter webs and begin feeding and growing until they reach their maximum size in June.

The second batch of caterpillars hatch from their eggs in August and are active until early October when they enter their winter webs to hibernate, emerging the following spring.

What trees do browntail moth caterpillars feed on?

Browntail moth caterpillars feed on a wide range of broadleaved trees and shrubs. Preferred trees include oak, apple, crabapple, pear, birch, cherry as well as other hardwoods.

What method of pesticide application is best?

The best method of browntail moth management depends on the situation. An integrated management approach is ideal.

If birds eat dying caterpillars will they be injured?

Browntail moth have relatively few bird and mammalian predators due to the nature of their toxic hairs.

Honeybee Affects

Typically, at the time of the year in spring when browntail moth treatments are made, other floral resources, like dandelions, are available and preferred by honeybees for foraging meaning oak pollen is not an important resource.

protecting and preserving

maine's natural resources

We are committed to practicing responsible land stewardship that protects our trees, water, shoreland, and wildlife.