A photo provided by the Maine Forest Service, browntail caterpillars in the fall get their web ready for winter, in Bath, Maine. Browntail moth caterpillars are on the rise in Maine. The caterpillars’ hairs can cause a painful rash in humans. State scientists say it’s difficult to control the spread of the bugs, which has been aided by dry weather. (Maine Forest Servic ACFvia AP)
Maine lawmakers are considering starting a new fund to help cities and towns try to slow the spread of an invasive moth that can cause an itchy rash in humans.
The fund would help communities combat the browntail moth. The moth caterpillars have poisonous hairs that can cause respiratory trouble and a rash that resembles poison ivy.
The fund would start with $150,000 in grants in the 2022-23 fiscal year. T
he proposal was the subject of a public hearing before a committee of the Maine Legislature on Tuesday.
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