Insect Pests and Insect Pest Control

What To Know About Insect Pest Management

Because of our 216 miles of shoreline, our pesticide use must be carefully considered. Pesticide residue can flow into Casco Bay and our groundwater.

The Maine Cooperative Extension provides extensive integrated pest management strategies.  Pests and Pesticides in Harpswell information will help you make responsible and legal choices if pesticide use is your only alternative.

 

How to Manage Insect Pests Harmful to Both Humans and Trees

Harpswell is home to a number of insects that we need to identify and manage.

Forest Health & Monitoring: Maine Forest Service: Maine ACF  provides extensive information on pest management and damage prevention. 

Insects that pose particular problems in Harpswell:

  • Browntail Moth: "Hairs" from the Browntail Moth caterpillar are toxic to humans. To learn how to protect yourself and manage infestations, see NAISMA's recent Browntail Moth Spotlight, part of NAISMA's National Invasive Species Awareness Week. It may provide essential information on identifying, preventing, and managing this invasive species, which is of growing concern in Maine. You may also visit our Browntail Moth page to learn more! 
  • Emerald Ash Borer:  An introduced insect, the Emerald Ash Borer threatens all ash tree species (excluding mountain-ash). For current information and maps, see the Maine Forest Service's Emerald Ash Borer page.
  • Winter Moth:  Winter Moth larvae feed on many species of our precious trees, including oaks, maples, cherries, ash, and crabapples. Did you know that Winter Moth pupae live in the soil under infected trees? Take care not to move plants to infected areas! Harpswell Conservation Commission offers two publications on local winter moth control: an easy-to-use guide organized by season and a deeper dive into spring control steps.  Finally, for a larger context and more information, see Maine’s excellent Got Pests? Winter Moth
  • Hemlock Woolly Adelgid in Maine: For current information, see the Maine Forest Service,  Woolly Adelgid (Hemlocks) page.