Browntail moths are an invasive species in Maine that not only defoliate trees—they can cause a painful, poison-ivy like rash and respiratory issues in humans. If you’re unfortunate enough to come in airborne or direct contact with toxic hairs from the browntail moth caterpillar’s body, chances are you’re looking for relief.
Here’s what you need to know about browntail moths and two over-the-counter formulas that may help soothe the painful, itchy rash they cause.
What are Browntail Moths
Browntail moths are insects that are primarily found on Cape Cod and the coast of Maine, although they are moving more inland each year.
The caterpillar form of the moth begins emerging from overwintering nests in April to feed off budding foliage and will pupate to full grown moths by July. During this time the caterpillars shed their skin, dropping microscopic toxin-filled hairs into the environment. The hairs are barbed and get into the grass, leaves, trees, on outdoor equipment, in the air and even on your pet’s fur. While they don’t seem to cause any harm to pets, coming in contact with even a few of these toxic hairs can cause a severely painful, itchy, poison-ivy like rash and respiratory issues in humans. The rash can last from a few hours to several weeks.
Toxic hairs from the browntail moth can remain toxic for up to three years. Wind or other outdoor activities such as raking, mowing, or gardening can stir up the hairs and lead to a reaction.
How to Avoid Exposure to Browntail Moths
The rash and respiratory issues are a result of airborne or direct contact with toxic hairs from the browntail moth caterpillar. Humans have a chemical reaction to both the toxin in the hairs and physical irritation from the barbed hairs.
Here’s what you can do to reduce risk of a rash or respiratory issue:
- Avoid infested areas
- Cover up any exposed skin when outdoors
- Do yard work on wet days to mitigate agitation of any hairs in foliage debrisDry laundry inside in June and July to avoid hairs getting on clothing
- Take a cool shower and change (and wash) clothes after activities that may have put you in contact with the hairs
- Use tape or a lint roller on your pet’s fur and your clothes to remove embedded hairs
How to Soothe Browntail Moth Rashes
Unfortunately, there is no antidote for exposure to the toxins, but there are several things you can do to relieve and soothe symptoms.
For a mild rash, take a cool bath with baking soda and apply calamine lotion, antihistamine cream or hydrocortisone cream topically to the irritated areas. For added relief, try putting the creams in the refrigerator before application.
Alternatively, the following over-the-counter formulas* can be easily made at home with ingredients from your local drugstore.
OTC Lotion
Combine equal parts of the following creams:
- hydrocortisone 1% (Cortizone 10)
- diphenhydramine hydrochloride 2% and zinc acetate 0.1% (e.g. Extra Strength Benadryl),
- lidocaine 4% (Aspercreme)
OTC Spray
In a spray bottle, combine equal parts of the following cremes and fill the rest of the bottle with witch hazel.
- hydrocortisone 1% (Cortizone 10)
- diphenhydramine hydrochloride 2% and zinc acetate 0.1% (extra-strength Benadryl),
- lidocaine 4% (Aspercreme)
- witch hazel
If pain continues without relief, or you have trouble breathing, swallowing, or have swelling of the face or throat, contact your healthcare provider.
*provided by Coastal Pharmacy + Wellness