Browntail moth has been in Maine since 1904 and has been in an outbreak phase over a broader area since 2015.[1] The Maine Forest Service has found it in all 16 counties, including York County.[2] Populations can be heavy on one street and light on the next, so the best way to know about the trees around your Old Orchard Beach home is to look for winter webs. The Maine Forest Service also keeps a map of known populations.[3]
Maine CDC says browntail moth populations have been steadily decreasing over the past couple of years, with higher populations in 2026 in parts of Androscoggin, Cumberland, Hancock and Oxford counties.[4] Even in a quieter year, a single infested oak or apple tree can make a yard miserable in spring.
The browntail moth year in Old Orchard Beach
- September: book earlyThe Maine Forest Service suggests reaching out to a licensed arborist in September, because demand for winter web removal is high.[5]
- October to March: winter websYoung caterpillars spend the winter in silk-wrapped clusters of leaves at the tips of branches. Webs are easiest to see once the leaves drop.
- Mid-December to early April: clipping seasonPopulations within reach can be reduced by clipping and destroying overwintering webs.[1]
- Mid-April to late May: treatment windowCaterpillars leave their webs to feed. In most years, treatment should be effective before late May; later treatments do little to reduce hairs in the environment or damage to trees.[3]
- April to July: highest rash riskExposure to the toxic hairs is greatest while caterpillars are most active.[2]
- Late June to early August: lights offKeep outdoor lights off at night from the last week of June to the first week of August, while moths are flying. Bug zappers are not recommended.[5]
- August to early October: the next generationNewly hatched caterpillars feed, then build the winter webs that start the cycle again.[5]
How we manage browntail moth in Old Orchard Beach
Protect yourself around infested trees
- Avoid areas with known infestations, and check trees for winter webs in spring
- Do yard work that stirs up hairs on damp days, and cover your face with a respirator and goggles
- Secure clothing at the neck, wrists and ankles
- Shower and change clothes after working outside, and dry laundry indoors
These precautions come from the Maine CDC and Maine Forest Service.[2] Maine CDC says there is no specific treatment, and suggests calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, or a cool oatmeal or baking-soda bath for relief.[4] Talk with a medical provider about a rash or breathing problem, and get emergency care for a severe reaction.
Want the full picture? Read our complete guide to browntail moth treatment in Southern Maine.
Browntail moth and Old Orchard Beach
Browntail Moth help near Old Orchard Beach
Tree Medics is based in Biddeford and works throughout Southern Maine. We also offer browntail moth services in nearby towns:
See all tree care in Old Orchard Beach.
Sources
- Maine Forest Service: Browntail moth management overview
- Maine CDC & Maine Forest Service: Browntail moth hairs pose risk during spring outdoor activities
- Maine Forest Service: Browntail moth information, treatment timing and map of known populations
- Maine CDC Health Advisory: Browntail moth (May 2026)
- Maine Forest Service: Browntail moth frequently asked questions
- Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: Beginning with Habitat, Old Orchard Beach High Value Plant and Animal Habitats (2024)
