Tips to Reduce Browntail Moth Hair Exposure During Fall Outdoor Activities

Oct 18, 2024

AUGUSTA - The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Forest Service (MFS), and 211 Maine remind residents and visitors to protect themselves from browntail moth hairs this fall.

Browntail moth caterpillars shed tiny, toxic hairs that can get stirred up during outdoor activities such as raking, mowing, and typical fall yard work. Those hairs can cause a skin rash similar to poison ivy. When hairs become airborne, they can be inhaled and cause breathing trouble. The hairs can stay toxic in the environment for up to three years, especially in dry or sheltered areas. The MFS found evidence of browntail moths in all Maine counties, with the majority of activity in southern and central Maine.

Most people affected by the hairs develop a localized rash that lasts for a few hours up to several days. In more sensitive people, the rash can be severe and last for weeks. Hairs may also cause respiratory distress. Treatment for the rash or breathing problems caused by browntail moth hairs focuses on relieving symptoms and eliminating further exposure.

To reduce exposure to browntail moth hairs:

Stay informed about browntail moth hotspots by visiting the Interactive Browntail Moth Dashboard to see where MFS notes high activity. Then, be proactive, know the risks, take steps to protect yourself, and monitor your surroundings.

When performing outdoor activities that may stir up caterpillar hairs:

• Aim for damp days or spray vegetation with water. Moisture helps keep the hairs from becoming airborne.
• Cover your face and any exposed skin by wearing a long sleeve shirt, long pants, goggles, a respirator/dust mask, a hat, and a disposable coverall.
• Tightly secure clothing around the neck, wrists, and ankles.
• Avoid using leaf blowers in areas known to have infestations.
• Take cool showers and change clothes after outdoor activities in infested areas.
• Dry laundry inside to avoid getting hairs on clothing.

For more information:

Contact 211 Maine for answers to frequently asked questions on browntail moths: Dial 211 or 1-866-811-5695 Text your zip code to 898-211

Maine CDC Browntail Moth website: www.maine.gov/dhhs/browntailmoth Maine Forest Service Browntail Moth website: www.maine.gov/dacf/knockoutbtm