AUGUSTA – The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), the Maine Forest Service (MFS) of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and 211 Maine will provide residents and visitors with browntail moth hair protection this fall. We are calling on you to protect yourself.
Browntail moth caterpillars shed tiny, poisonous hairs that can be disturbed during outdoor activities such as bear herding, mowing grass, and typical fall yard work. Their hairs can cause skin rashes similar to poison ivy.
Floating hair can be inhaled and cause breathing difficulties. Hair can remain toxic in the environment for up to three years, especially in dry or sheltered areas.
MFS found evidence of browntail moths in every county in Maine, with most of the activity in southern and central Maine.
Most people with affected hair develop a localized rash that lasts from a few hours to a few days. For more sensitive people, the rash can be severe and last several weeks. Hair can also cause breathing difficulties. Treatment of rashes and breathing problems caused by browntail moth hairs focuses on reducing symptoms and eliminating further exposure.
To reduce exposure to browntail moth hair:
· Stay up-to-date on browntail moth hotspots by visiting our interactive browntail moth dashboard to see where MFS notes high activity. Then, be proactive, understand the risks, take steps to protect yourself, and monitor your surroundings.
· If you engage in outdoor activities that may stir up caterpillar hair:
-Aim for humid days or spray your plants with water. Moisture prevents hair from becoming airborne.
– Cover your face and exposed skin by wearing a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, goggles, gas mask, hat, and disposable coveralls.
– Secures clothing around the neck, wrists and ankles.
– Avoid using leaf blowers in areas known to be infested.
– Take a cold shower and change your clothes after outdoor activities in infected areas.
– Dry your laundry inside to avoid hair on your clothes.
For more information:
– For answers to frequently asked questions about browntail moths, contact 211 Maine.
