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BROWNTAIL MOTH PRECAUTIONS
Also See How to Find Winter Nests
The browntail moth caterpillar has tiny (0.15mm) poisonous hairs capable of causing a dermatitis similar to poison ivy on sensitive individuals. People may develop the dermatitis or skin rash directly from contact with the larvae or indirectly from contact with airborne hairs. The hairs become airborne either from being dislodged from living or dead larvae or may be associated with the cast skins which result from larval molting. Most people affected by the hairs develop a localized rash which will last for a few hours up to a few days, but on some sensitive individuals the rash can be severe and persist for weeks. The rash results from both a chemical reaction to a toxin in the setae and a physical irritation as the barbed setae become embedded in the skin. Respiratory distress from inhaling the hairs has been reported (11% of the population in one health survey) and can be very serious.
The following precautions may help people living in or visiting browntail moth infested areas during the period from June through August:
{ Avoid places heavily infested by caterpillars when possible. Campers should plan their stays on uninfested islands.
{ Take a cool shower and change clothes after any activity that might involve contact with the browntail moth hairs.
{ Dry laundry inside during June and July to avoid the hairs becoming impregnated in the clothing.
{ Wear respirator, goggles and coveralls tightly closed at neck, wrists and ankles when performing activities that stir up caterpillar hairs such as:
} mowing
} raking
} weed whacking
} removing pupal webbing from eaves and boats
{ Contact with the hairs can be minimized doing task such as above by working on damp days or wetting down materials with a hose or damp cloth as moisture helps keep the hairs from becoming airborne.
{ Use caution cleaning debris left by the caterpillars because the toxin is extremely stable and remains a hazard for a number of years. Summer residents should bear this in mind when opening cottages that have been closed all winter as the hairs frequently settle over the winter and may be contacted during spring cleaning. Wet mopping prior to vacuuming or dusting is recommended.
{ Consult your physician if you develop a severe reaction to the browntail moth.
{ Be aware that chances of contacting the hairs are increased during dry windy conditions.
MAINE DEPARTMENT OF
CONSERVATION
Maine Forest Service - Forest Health and Monitoring Division
March 1997