7 Tips You Should Know to Avoid Browntail Moth Rash

This season is going to be especially challenging.

In this blog, we’re going to cover 7 tips you should know to help you avoid getting browntail moth rash. Let’s start with describing what browntail moth rash is and why it can be especially challenging to dodge the fiery rash.

Unseasonably warm and dry weather in May and June, while enjoyable, is not the kind of weather that helps to reduce Maine’s Browntail moth caterpillar population. Periods of cool, rainy weather encourage growth of a fungus that kills the Browntail moth caterpillars which reduces the risk of rashes and other related issues.

In previous years, residents in parts of Androscoggin, Cumberland, Kennebec, Knox, and Waldo counties were hit the hardest by the damage caused by browntail moth caterpillars, but this year, The Maine Forest Service has found webs from these pests in every county across the state.

If you’ve already been exposed to the toxic hairs of the browntail moth caterpillar, our prescription spray provides instant relief for most of the rash’s painful symptoms.

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What is browntail moth rash and how does it spread?

Browntail Moth Rash, also known as Browntail Moth Itch, occurs after coming into contact with the poisonous hairs shed by browntail moth caterpillars. These microscopic hairs can be airborne and are found everywhere in browntail-infested areas including trees, lawns, gardens, decks, and picnic tables.

Browntail moth caterpillars are active from May through July which is also when most rashes occur. However, hairs that have settled in an area can remain toxic for up to three years so it is possible for people to develop a rash at other times during the year.

Similar to poison ivy, browntail moth rash tends to be red, bumpy, and itchy and can cause discomfort to those affected for hours or even weeks. Individuals can also experience respiratory issues such as having a hard time breathing, after inhaling the minuscule hairs. And, these barbed hairs are so toxic, symptoms can develop quickly, even at the time of exposure. Most individuals affected will notice signs after an outdoor activity where they have been exposed to trees or shrubs that are home to the pests or from wearing clothing that has been exposed to airborne hairs.

How can I protect myself and my family?

In 2019, Dr. Jane Robertson, a resident of Belfast, spoke with Maine Public Radio about her nightmarish experience with the toxic caterpillars. “The rash is hot, burning, itchy, and uncomfortable — but that’s not even the worst of it. The most distressing part, to her, is feeling that it’s simply not safe to go outside anymore, a thought that is echoed among many Mainers who live in the affected areas.”

The last thing any Mainer wants to do is to stay inside, so what can you do? The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to know your risk level and follow these 7 tips to avoid exposure to the toxic hairs that cause the extremely itchy rash.

The 7 Tips to Avoid Browntail Moth Rash:

1. Take the necessary steps to remove webs from your property.

Depending on the severity of the infestation, removal methods include both non-chemical and chemical options. Be sure to wear a respirator and goggles when removing webbing. For more information and resources on controlling and removing the population on your property, contact the Maine Forest Service.

2. Avoid places that are heavily infested with caterpillars during the spring and early summer.

Pay close attention to your surroundings when outside and check infestations before going to parks and beaches.

3. Keep car and house windows closed in high-risk areas.

As tempting as it may be to let the fresh air in, open windows provide ample opportunity for those problematic hairs to blow into your car or home.

4. Abstain from air-drying laundry or rugs outside.

Decrease the risk of hairs getting trapped in fabrics by drying everything inside during the months of May, June and July.

5. Use caution when doing yard work in heavily infested areas.

Cover any exposed skin and consider wearing a respirator and goggles when performing any activities that might stir up the poisonous hairs including mowing the lawn, raking, and weed-whacking.

6. Hold off on doing any yard work during dry, windy days.

Complete necessary yard work on damp days or wet down the surrounding area with a hose to help keep hairs from becoming airborne. The chance of contracting browntail moth rash increases during dry, windy conditions.

7. Stay informed about browntail moth throughout the year.

In addition to the tips above, we’ve listed some local resources that provide information about browntail moths to help safeguard you and your family.

Local Resources

• Maine Forest Service Browntail Moth Information
• Maine Forest Service Browntail Moth (BTM) Monitoring Dashboard
• Maine CDC Division of Disease Surveillance – Browntail Moth
• Browntail Moth Research at UMaine

Spread the word, not the rash.

Now that you are equipped with the knowledge to reduce your risk of exposure, share the information with all your friends and neighbors to keep them safe too! And, for the unfortunate ones who already have the bumpy and itchy rash, you can count on Kennebec Pharmacy – our experienced and friendly pharmacists can help answer any further questions you may have about browntail moth rash.

Visit our website to learn more about our Browntail Moth Relief Spray (BTM) and the steps to take to get a prescription.

Kennebec Pharmacy compounds a prescription spray that has helped many customers alleviate symptoms associated with browntail moth rash. Prescriptions for Browntail Moth Rash Relief Spray are available for pick-up from Kennebec Pharmacy locations in Augusta and Rockport or by delivery statewide.