Browntail moth threat eases in capital region, but remains a threat elsewhere in Maine

KENNEBEC JOURNAL • January 7, 2023

While the population explosion of browntail moths didn't happen as expected in 2022, experts say the threat posed by the invasive pest still exists and people should continue to take measures to destroy winter nests. Three counties are experiencing a population increase: Androscoggin, Penobscot and Waldo. That’s going to drive more eradication efforts. Eben Mann and Erik Stoesser-Casad of Mann’s Lumber & Tree use a drone to remove brown tail moth nests. The state of Maine has created the Browntail Moth Mitigation Fund, setting aside $150,000 for removing and destroying webs, pesticide treatments, making habitats less friendly and education, among other things.