Browntail Moth Update #10: July 10, 2025
On July 6, we observed the first reports of adult browntail moth from members of the public and our colleagues at UMaine Orono. Adults typically fly from late June to early August and have white wings (sometimes with a single black dot on each forewing), fuzzy white legs, and a fuzzy reddish-brown abdomen. This brown abdomen or “tail” is what gives browntail moth its common name.
Although adult browntail moths have hairs on their abdomens, these hairs are not the toxic hairs found on the caterpillars. However, there is always a chance that adult moths can pick up residual caterpillar hairs when emerging from their pupal packets, so it is best to avoid contact with adult browntail moths.
An adult browntail moth resting at a gas station in Turner, ME.
Now that browntail adult moths have emerged from their pupal packets, management of adults looks different than caterpillar management.
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Turn off any non-essential outdoor lights now through early August to avoid attracting moths
- Consider switching any white-blue hue outdoor bulbs to yellow hue bulbs
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Remove moths near entryways by installing a HEPA filter into a wet/dry vacuum, adding a few inches of soapy water in the base, and vacuuming the moths.
- Browntail moths have native look-a-likes. Check out our moth comparison chart so you can learn the difference.
More details can be found in last week's browntail moth update:
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