Guidance to Help Manage Browntail Moth
Four
Free Presentations on Preventing Exposure to and the Management of Browntail
Moth
AUGUSTA
– The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension (UMCE) are providing four (4) free presentations on browntail
moth management and exposure prevention this month. In 2016, hundreds of people
in the central coastal area of Maine were impacted by this invasive insect. The
caterpillars release tiny hairs that cause itchy, poison ivy-like, rashes and
sometimes respiratory distress.
The
browntail moth infestation is expected to be much larger in 2017. In fall
surveys conducted by the Maine Forest Service, caterpillar webs were spotted at
the tops of oak and apple trees from York to Washington County. These webs
contain the spring generation of browntail moth caterpillars, which will begin
to emerge in May.
State
experts will hold four hour-long presentations devoted to understanding the biology,
management, and possible health impacts of the browntail moth. The presentations
and answer sessions will be provided by speakers from the University of Maine
Cooperative Extension (UMCE) and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation
and Forestry (DACF).
These four FREE presentations
will cover browntail moth management and exposure prevention. Space is limited and pre-registration is requested.
DETAILS:
A
Short Course on Browntail Moth
Four
FREE Presentations on Browntail Moth Management and Avoidance
- February 17, 2017, 2:00 PM at Lithgow
Library, Augusta
- February 22,
2017, 6:00 PM at Patten Free Library, Bath
- February 27, 2017, 6:00 PM at The Morris Farm, Wiscasset
- February 28,
2017, 6:00 PM at Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, Kennebunkport
Updates on the state of browntail moth infestation and
monitoring in Maine will be provided by UMCE and DACF staff. Local health
experts will provide updates on the health impacts of browntail moth. Staff members from the Maine Board of
Pesticides Control will answer questions about pesticides for control of
browntail moth.
Additional collaborators include the City of Bath and
Kennebec Estuary Land Trust.
To
register, please go to maine.gov/healthylawns or call (207)
287-2731.
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