Fungus takes toll on Maine’s browntail moth populations

Ideal weather conditions for the fungus are helping kill browntail moth caterpillars, which cause an itchy rash in humans.

In Camden, a story of wealthy neighbors, ocean views and over $1.7 million in fines

An unusual case in Midcoast Maine, which involves feuding landowners and a town-owned beach, is still unfolding. It all started with a pesticide.

Browntail moth caterpillars may be facing ‘zombie’ apocalypse in Maine

A fungus that turns the rash-causing pests into the 'crawling dead' may lead to a sharp drop in browntail populations this year, scientists say.

Fingers crossed, Waterville and Augusta will avoid impact of browntail moth this year

The two cities have worked aggressively the last few years to mitigate browntail moth from public properties including parks, recreation fields, walking trails and other places people congregate.

Promising research at UMaine may help curtail browntail moths

Scientists are studying how to disrupt the moth's mating patterns by using a synthetically made product to confuse male moths and drastically reduce their ability to reproduce.

Rainy, cold weather may have silver lining: fewer browntail moths

The weather conditions may have caused the proliferation of a fungus that kills the browntail moth caterpillars.

Photo: Browntail moth caterpillars devouring western Maine

Maine CDC issues reminder about health threat posed by browntail moths

Mainers are urged to minimize exposure to the insect's toxic hairs while doing yard work by covering up with a respirator and goggles and working when it's damp.

State entomologist demonstrates how to curb browntail moths this winter, ahead of the spring

Maine Forest Service entomologist Colleen Teerling gave a presentation Saturday to a small crowd at Gardiner Public Library on how to use a pole pruner and saw to cut browntail moth nests out of trees.

Browntail moth threat eases in capital region, but remains a threat elsewhere in Maine

While the population explosion of browntail moths didn't happen as expected in 2022, experts say the threat posed by the invasive pest still exists and people should continue to take measures to destroy winter nests.