Ticks and Browntail Moths

Ticks

Maine residents and visitors need to be aware of deer ticks, which can transmit both Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis. By far, the best way to avoid these diseases is to be aware of the risk of tick bites and to act accordingly. 

The good news is that deer ticks usually do not transmit Lyme bacteria right away. According to the Maine Medical Center Research Institute, few people are infected before the tick has been feeding for 36 hours. Diagnosed in early stages, both Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are easily and effectively treated. However, if unrecognized and untreated, they may progress to cause arthritis and neurological problems. 

MDOT has produced a Great Video for their employees on how to stay safe during the tick season, but it provides a great deal of information and practical tips everyone would benefit from knowing. The video features Maine Medical Center Research Institute’s Chuck Lubelczyk, Vector Ecologist, Vector Borne-Disease Laboratory. Topics include:

  • Myths about Ticks
  • How to Identify Deer Ticks
  • Precautions to Take
  • Types of Repellents
  • Signs of Lyme Disease

More information on Ticks can be found at:


Browntail Moths Basics

Maine Forest Service Warns of Increase in Browntail Moth Caterpillar Infestation in 2018.

For those who are unfamiliar with BTM, the hairs of the larvae cause a rash similar to poison ivy and can also cause respiratory distress in sensitive individuals. The hairs persist for a number of years and can continue to cause problems when mowing or other activities stir them up. The caterpillars eat the leaves of oak, apple and other hardwood trees from May to early July and can cause branch dieback and may eventually kill the tree.

Regional Public Information Sessions - Browntail Moth Caterpillars
Monday, Oct 29, 2018
6:00 - 7:15 PM
Freeport Town Hall Council Chambers 

Information from these sessions is attached at right.


Useful Links


UMaine Webinar
How to Recognize, Treat, and Manage It

Midcoast Browntail Moths
A Midcoast Clearinghouse of info.

The Maine Forest Service Browntail Moth Website
This site has info including:

  • A slide show of the History and Current Situation in Maine
  • Description of the BTM and how to control it
  • What the overwintering webs look like
  • A list of Licensed Pesticide Applicators for landowners to contact this winter about potential control work in the spring
  • State Law specific to BTM control near the ocean

BTM Caterpillar Regional Public Sessions 2018
MFS - Fall 2018 BTM Presentation
Michael Hughes, Arborist, BTM Presentation


More BTM Documentary Info

Please note additional documents from the Maine Forest Service attached on the bottom.