Gypsy Moth aerial spray program to begin next week

Hamilton, ON – In spring 2018, Hamilton City Council approved the second year of an aerial spray program that is helping address a significant Gypsy Moth infestation in parts of Hamilton. Last season’s successful results have led the City to expand the program to new areas which also demonstrate a need for the program.

The first of two bio-pesticide applications will begin next week, the second application will occur the following week. Low flying helicopters will begin applying a bio-pesticide to identified properties in, Greensville, Ancaster, Carlisle and Waterdown to help manage the infestation. Residents living within the spray area have been notified of the spray program.

There may be minor traffic delays around the spray areas between the hours of 5 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. during the spray dates.

An interactive map of the treatment area, along with exact dates and times for the aerial spray, which are weather dependent, are available at www.hamilton.ca/gypsymoth.

The bio-pesticide is an organic product that specifically targets Gypsy Moths and other caterpillars. The aerial spray will not eradicate the pest entirely, rather, it will regulate population size.

The City of Hamilton forestry section has been monitoring Gypsy Moth populations over recent years. In the fall of 2017, staff recorded population levels that require a pesticide control program be implemented.

Quick Facts:

• In 2008, Council approved a by-law which states that control programs can be implemented if populations of Gypsy Moth are above an identified treatment threshold. Monitoring completed in 2016, 2017 and 2018 noted high populations of Gypsy Moth, which need to be addressed.
• The European Gypsy Moth is an invasive forest pest that was introduced accidentally in the United States in 1869. Since then, the Gypsy Moth has expanded its range over much of the eastern United States and Canada. It was first detected in Ontario in 1969 and quickly spread across southern Ontario over the next decade. It is now well established throughout southern Ontario and as far north as Sault Ste. Marie.
• Gypsy moth larvae or caterpillars will feed on tree leaves. If the larvae population is high, they can defoliate whole trees and forests in a short amount of time.
• Repeated consecutive defoliation of three years or more has the potential to cause tree mortality and long-term impact to the urban forest.

For further information, including spray dates when available, please call 905-546-2489 or 1-877-446-2424 toll free.