MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • May 29, 2022
Browntail moth controls are a good example of when our actions can have unintended and indirect effects on our birds. A common control for browntail caterpillars right now is spraying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) on leaves of oaks and apple trees as the caterpillars are emerging. Bt is an organic insecticide that, when ingested, causes caterpillars’ stomach linings to rupture, killing them from the inside out. While there are a variety of non-toxic or organic insecticides available on the market, we should still focus on the fact they are insecticides. As we continue to see insect populations decline, on the scale of what has been termed an “insect apocalypse,” we should be aware of the impacts we are having and consider all the consequences carefully before taking any actions. ~ Maine Audubon Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox