FREEPORT, Maine — Some folks in Freeport are itching for browntail moth caterpillars to leave.
The caterpillars shed toxic hairs that can cause rashes or breathing problems for people who come in contact with them.
The Wolfe’s Neck and Flying Point areas are being hit particularly hard by the caterpillars this year.
Killing the caterpillars in Wolfe’s Neck state park is especially difficult because they nest at the very tops of trees.
They also can’t use pesticides in the park, but they are looking into other options.
“There is a bacteria which they’ve been having some success with in Europe,” Wolfe’s Neck State Park Ranger Michael Frey said. “You spray it on the leaves, and the caterpillars are affected by it and die off.”
Several residents had to be hospitalized with severe rashes earlier this summer.