Frequently asked questions
PEST MANAGEMENT
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The best method of browntail moth management depends on the situation. An integrated management approach is ideal.
Browntail moth have relatively few bird and mammalian predators due to the nature of their toxic hairs.
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.