Gypsy Moth aerial spray program to begin tomorrow
Hamilton, ON – Earlier this year, Hamilton City Council approved an aerial spray program that will help to address a significant Gypsy Moth infestation in parts of Hamilton.
Beginning tomorrow, low flying helicopters will begin applying a bio-pesticide to identified properties in West Hamilton, Ancaster, Dundas and Flamborough 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 am and 7 am 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 first round of bio-pesticide application will begin Wednesday, May 23 (weather permitting) and a second application will occur later next week.
The bio-pesticide is an organic product that specifically targets Gypsy Moths and other caterpillars, but will have no health impact on humans, and will not affect pets, other animals or bees.
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.
Neighbouring municipalities in Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga and Toronto are also undertaking similar programs.
Quick facts
- In 2008, Council approved a by-law that directs control programs be implemented if populations of Gypsy Moth are above an identified treatment threshold. Monitoring completed in 2016 and 2017 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 has 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.