AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - Maine forestry officials are warning that the annual infestation of browntail moth caterpillars is going to be worse-than-normal this summer.
Maine Forest Service entomologist Charlene Donahue says winter surveys of webs in treetops show that browntail moth numbers are up. It’s unclear why.
She tells Maine Public Radio (https://bit.ly/1GusUPo ) that the caterpillars have been found from Waterville to Cape Elizabeth and Bath to Whitefield.
She says people should take precautions. The caterpillars can cause a rash similar to poison ivy, along with respiratory problems, for those who come in contact with them.
___
Information from: WMEA-FM, https://www.mpbn.net/index.html
Please read our comment policy before commenting.