The Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation & Forestry has been reaching out to the citizens of Maine with a '4 R's' campaign to help reduce the population of the invasive, poisonous insect, the Browntail Moth.

WQCB Brewer Maine logo
Get our free mobile app

Their efforts include educating the public on this invasive, poisonous insect which has been wreaking havoc in Coastal Maine communities and noticeable movement more inland with last year's brood. The caterpillar form of the Browntail Moth has poisonous hairs that, when they come into contact with humans, cause itchy rashes and can even cause respiratory issues if breathed in.

The four R's:

  • Recognize: know what you are looking for when clipping trees of the Browntail Moth nests.
  • Remove: Clip nests protecting your eyes and skin and destroy the web by soaking the nest or burning it.
  • Recruit: Get a professional to help with mitigation, such as a licensed arborist to get nests that are unreachable or a licensed pesticide applicator during the growing season.
  • Reach Out: Let your town know if you are finding infestation on your property and let your neighbors know, too.
maine.gov
maine.gov
loading...

A campaign called 'Knockout Browntail' is calling on citizens to help other Mainers gain awareness of the issue and organize in their communities. The goal is for community members to come together to reduce the insect population during its dormant season before the next brood hatches in the spring. The aim is to have communities come together to mitigate in February by clipping trees of the wintertime webs in trees. The '4 R's' will help people know what to look for and what to do to help control the population of this invasive insect.

Check out the campaign information for #KnockoutBrowntail and news in Maine about the Browntail Moth infestation, check out the maine.gov website from the Maine Forest Service.

30 Bangor Area Mom-and-Pop Convenience Stores

Convenience stores are a lifeline for a community. Here in the Bangor area, we have our share of little mom-and-pop, one-of-a-kind stores that hold necessities for your everyday life that can build a community with its presence and offerings. Here are 30 of these convenience stores in and around the Bangor area.

University of Maine Researchers Doing Browntail Moth Study

This pilot study is determining if pheromones could be the key to disrupting the Maine pests population and help reduce the infestation across the State of Maine. Ultimately, this research could be the large scale answer to dealing with the Browntail Moth problem here in the state.

37 Essential Things To Do And See In Belfast

If you are visiting Belfast as a resident of Maine or as a tourist from out of state, this little town has a lot to offer those from near and far. With the help of TripAdvisor.com's list of Belfast attractions let's check out this comprehensive list of creative, historical, unique, and tasty finds that await you in Belfast, a bustling town on the coast of Maine.

25 Must-Visit Places In Ellsworth

The bustling and scenic town of Ellsworth has a lot of history, old and new and lots of experiences to have, old and new. Whether you want to take a train ride, take the kids to the park, get a sweet tattoo, treat yourself or find that after-party early morning breakfast, here are 25 businesses and locations to really get some memorable experiences at the good vibes town Downeast Maine, Ellsworth.

30 Bangor Area Mom-and-Pop Convenience Stores

Convenience stores are a lifeline for a community. Here in the Bangor area, we have our share of little mom-and-pop, one-of-a-kind stores that hold necessities for your everyday life that can build a community with its presence and offerings. Here are 30 of these convenience stores in and around the Bangor area.

 

More From WQCB Brewer Maine