Maine Woods Safety

Ticks are found mostly in wooded areas and the open grassy spaces that border them. The best way to protect yourself is by sticking to paths and lawns. Nevertheless, tick-checks are important! Ticks transmit a variety of diseases, namely Lyme Disease. Check your clothing and remove any ticks you find. For more information, visit Ticks in Maine.

Browntail moth caterpillars are an invasive species found in concentrated pockets along Maine’s coast. For sensitive individuals, coming into contact with the caterpillar’s tiny, poisonous hairs can cause a rash similar to poison ivy. The caterpillars are most active April through late June, but even shed hairs can remain toxic throughout the summer. Reduce your exposure by staying on paths and out of leaf litter.  For more information, visit Maine’s browntail moth page. 

Poison ivy’s iconic three-leaf shape is probably familiar to most of us. This woody perennial can be found almost anywhere—here at the Gardens, we try to mark the patches to protect our guests. If you come in contact with poison ivy, wash skin with soap and cool water as soon as you can.