Waterville holds demonstration on removal of browntail moth nests

MORNING SENTINEL • March 2, 2022

City Councilor and Colby College biology professor Thomas Klepach used a long-handled pruning saw Wednesday to snip a browntail moth nest from a chokecherry tree and carefully guide it to the ground. Klepach then plucked the small nest from the snow, placed it into a bucket containing soapy water and let it sit for a few minutes, before placing it into a plastic bag and sealing it. Klepach was demonstrating how to clip a browntail moth nest from a tree to about 20 people who gathered outside the Waterville Public Library for a workshop. The city reportedly has more than 500 properties or individual trees in need of treatment for the invasive species.