Prepare for another irritating browntail moth outbreak next summer

MAINE MONITOR • August 30, 2021

Next summer may be just as itchy and painful as this one. After one of Maine’s worst browntail moth seasons, there are signs already that 2022 could continue a years-long outbreak of the invasive insect that’s responsible for painful skin rashes and occasional dangerous breathing problems. But winter and spring weather could determine the scale of next summer’s infestation. And ongoing research offers some hope for tamping down future outbreaks.