Midcoast Towns Brace For Another Year Of Browntail Moths

Some midcoast towns are pushing for regional collaboration to combat the spread of invasive browntail moth caterpillars that have defoliated forests and left residents with painful rashes and respiratory problems. “The footprint is intensifying and expanding. We are definitely concerned about it,” said Charlene Donahue, an entomologist with the Maine Forest Service. Communities in the epicenter of the infestation, around Merrymeeting Bay, are sharing information and management techniques, but some officials want to consider a regional pesticide program to counter the infestation. Browntail moths are a persistent presence on some Casco Bay islands.