Browntail Moth Season in Maine: Protecting Your Family from Painful Rashes
What Maine Residents Need to Know About Browntail Moths This Season
As temperatures rise across Maine, an unwelcome visitor returns to our communities: the browntail moth. These seemingly innocent creatures carry a painful secret that thousands of Mainers discover each year - toxic hairs that cause an uncomfortable, persistent rash.
If you're living in affected areas, now is the time to prepare and protect your family.
Why Browntail Moths Are a Health Concern
Browntail moth caterpillars aren't just garden pests - they pose a legitimate health risk. According to Maine Forest Service Entomologist Brittany Schappach, what makes these caterpillars particularly dangerous is their unique hair structure:
"The actual hair itself is barbed so when it lands on you you're getting irritation from the barb, it's almost like it's stabbing you. The hair itself is actually hollow and inside that hair is actually a toxin which is also really irritating."
These microscopic barbed hairs contain a toxin that can cause:
- Intensely itchy skin rashes resembling poison ivy
- Respiratory issues when hairs are inhaled
- Symptoms lasting from a few hours to several weeks
- Reactions that may worsen with sweating and heat
You Don't Need to Touch Them to Be Affected
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that nests high in trees don't pose a risk. Unfortunately, that's not the case.
"Unfortunately, you don't even have to come in contact with the caterpillar. If you just happen to be under a tree and there's a whole bunch of caterpillars above you, those hairs are readily broken off just by a gust of wind, then they will rain down and have the potential to cause a rash," explains Schappach.
This means that simply spending time outdoors in affected areas - gardening, playing with children, or enjoying a backyard barbecue - can lead to exposure.
Where to Find Browntail Moths in Maine
The caterpillars are typically found on:
- Oak trees
- Cherry trees
- Elm trees
- Crab apple trees
As spring progresses and leaves emerge, the caterpillars become more active and visible as they feed on foliage.
You can check the current browntail moth distribution using the interactive map provided by the Maine Forest Service.
Prevention: Your First Line of Defense
The best way to handle browntail moth exposure is to prevent it in the first place:
- Know where they are - Check trees on your property for nests, especially during winter months when they're more visible
- Limit outdoor activities during high-risk periods in heavily infested areas
- Cover up with long sleeves and pants when working outdoors
- Use a garden hose to spray nest areas to keep hairs from becoming airborne
- Avoid line-drying clothes outdoors during peak season
- Wash outdoor furniture before use in affected areas
The Most Effective Relief for Browntail Moth Rash
Despite best prevention efforts, many Mainers will still experience the uncomfortable browntail moth rash this season. While over-the-counter remedies like hydrocortisone cream and calamine lotion provide some relief, many sufferers report these options offer only minimal, temporary comfort.
For those seeking more effective relief, MaineMadeRelief's Browntail Moth Rash Relief has become the go-to solution for many Maine families. This locally-developed formula was specifically created to address the unique properties of browntail moth toxins.
Why MaineMadeRelief Works When Other Products Don't
Unlike generic anti-itch creams, MaineMadeRelief's Browntail Moth Rash Relief was formulated specifically to:
- Neutralize the toxins present in browntail moth hairs
- Reduce inflammation at the source
- Provide cooling, immediate itch relief
- Create a protective barrier against further irritation
- Use natural ingredients that won't cause additional skin sensitivity
As local resident Sarah Johnson shared: "After three sleepless nights trying every drugstore remedy with minimal relief, my neighbor suggested MaineMadeRelief. The difference was remarkable - within minutes the intense itching calmed down, and by the next day, the rash had significantly improved."
Be Prepared This Browntail Moth Season
As we enter peak browntail moth season, having relief on hand before exposure occurs is the wisest approach. MaineMadeRelief's Browntail Moth Rash Relief is currently available in limited supply due to high seasonal demand.
Click here to get MaineMadeRelief's Browntail Moth Rash Relief before supplies run out →
Don't let browntail moth rash disrupt your Maine summer. Be prepared with relief that works.
Disclaimer: If you experience severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, or symptoms that worsen or persist, please consult a healthcare professional immediately.