DACF Home → Bureaus & Programs → Bureau of Agriculture → Division of Animal and Plant Health → Board of Pesticides Control → Public Information → Browntail Moth
Pesticide Application for Browntail Moth
The caterpillars of the browntail moth release tiny hairs that cause itchy rashes and sometimes respiratory distress. In July and August the moths can be seen on structures. They have a wingspread of about 1 1/2 inches and are strongly attracted to light. Wings and midsection are pure white while the abdomen (rear part of the body) is brown with a conspicuous tuft of brown hairs at the tip. Fall is a good time to plan for next year—learn about removing nests during the winter.
General Browntail Moth Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions - Maine Forest Service
- Information from the Maine Forest Service
- Brochure (PDF)
- List of Licensed Pesticide Applicators Willing to treat Browntail Moth, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and/or Other Pests (PDF)
- List of Arborists Willing to PRUNE Browntail Webs in Winter (PDF)
List of Pesticides Allowed Within 250’ of Marine Waters in 2020
Overview of current regulatory framework for treating browntail moths near marine waters
Additional Files Supporting Risk Assessment
- EPA's Pesticide in Water Calculator.
- Download SWI Files used in this risk assessment.
- Download Output files from the Pesticide in Water Calculator (Zip file of DOCX files)
