Mech speaks to WGME about browntail moth outbreak in Maine
Angela Mech, assistant professor of forest entomology, was interviewed for WGME Portland about Maine currently suffering through the worst infestation of browntail moths since they were first introduced to the state around the turn of the 20th century, more than 100 years ago. The current outbreak, which started in 2015, festered quietly for several years until a drought-ridden spring in 2020 caused an explosion in moth numbers. Then a warm and dry spring once again in 2021 caused the numbers and range of the moths to expand even further. “The hairs get into the leaves, the grass, the trees, and can persist for over three years,” Mech said. WTVL-AM (Augusta), WMME-FM (Augusta) and WEBB-FM (Augusta) shared the WGME report.