Aerial-spray treatments to begin in the Courtenay area to prevent gypsy moths

The Province is set to begin aerial-spray treatments north of Courtenay to prevent gypsy moth populations from damaging forests, farms, orchards and trees.

The first treatment is scheduled for the week of May 10, 2021, depending on weather conditions.

The 187-hectare treatment area is located around Highway 19A, between Rennison Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway.

“The gypsy moth is destructive to native and urban forests, as well as orchards. If these pests are not treated, they could spread to other parts of the province and put hundreds of species of trees and shrubs at risk, including in endangered Garry oak ecosystems,” said the Ministry of Forests.

Up to four separate aerial treatments are required between mid-May and mid-June, occurring seven to 10 days apart.

The application will be conducted by a small, low-flying aircraft. Each treatment will start shortly after sunrise and should be completed by 8:30 am, unless delayed by poor weather. Each treatment is expected to take one morning to complete.

The affected area will be treated with Foray 48B, which contains Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki (Btk), a biological insecticide that occurs naturally in soil and has been approved for the control of gypsy moth larvae in Canada since 1961.

The ministry says Btk is effective in eradicating gypsy moths since it only impacts caterpillars that eat sprayed leaves. It affects the caterpillars only after they have ingested it.

It does not harm humans, livestock, plants, pets, other mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, spiders, bees, ladybugs or other insects.

Residents within and adjacent to the treatment area will likely hear the aircraft carrying out the treatment. The spray equipment is GPS-calibrated and carefully controlled.

Anyone wishing to minimize contact with the spray may choose to remain indoors with their windows and doors closed during the treatments, and for at least 30 minutes after the flight has been completed.

Pets or livestock that may be frightened by the low-flying aircraft should be secured or brought indoors.