Removing Browntail Moth Nests

The season is almost here for browntail moth caterpillars to emerge from their winter webs. Most experts agree that browntail moth caterpillars begin hatching in early May, but it could be a little sooner or a little later. 

So what should you do if you see a nest? Here's some helpful info from the University of Maine:

To cut the nests out of trees: use pruners and place the nests directly into a bucket of soapy water. Allow the nests to sit in the soapy water for several hours, then the nests may be discarded. This removal method is an alternative to using pesticides, especially for small-scale problems and especially in environmentally sensitive areas.

And from the Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry:

Browntail web removal: Webs in small trees and shrubs, safely within reach of the ground, and without hazards such as powerlines, can be removed between October and April. Destroy webs once removed (burn, soak for an extended period in soapy water, or dispose of in trash). With permission, you can do this on properties you don’t own or manage. If there are hazards, or you need to leave the ground, this is work for a licensed arborist.

Also, if you encounter nests on your property, report them here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/btmreport. This will help the Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry to track browntail moth populations.