The Ministry of Forests has asked local governments to make the following information available to residents in communities where their Spongy Moth Aerial Spray Program will occur.
THE MINISTRY OF FORESTS HAS PREPARED A PLAN TO PROTECT TREES AND SHRUBS FROM THE POTENTIALLY DEVASTATING IMPACTS OF THE INVASIVE SPONGY MOTH.
Data from the 2023 trapping season shows there is a spongy moth population in Belmont (Colwood) that could become established if not eradicated. It is necessary to treat 430 hectares of residential, commercial and public lands to eradicate this invasive species.
The aerial treatments will use a small aircraft to apply Foray 48B, active ingredient Btk. Btk occurs naturally in soil and is commonly used in organic agriculture. Foray 48B is approved for the control
of spongy moth larvae in Canada. Foray 48B only impacts caterpillars that eat sprayed leaves and is not toxic to people, livestock, pets, birds, fish, amphibians, spiders, other insects or plants.
Learn more abou tthe threat spongy moths post to British Columbia's forests, farms and orchards, and why eradication is important at www.gov.bc.ca/spongy-news
Spongy Moths Treatment begins in late April 2024
As part of the Ministry of Forests’ 2024 Spongy Moth Eradication Program, aerial spray treatments will begin between late-April to early-May to eradicate this invasive insect that can damage farms, forests, orchards and trees.
Here is what you need to know:
- Treatments will be conducted with a small, low-flying aircraft.
- Foray 48B, a biological insecticide containing the active ingredient Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (BTK), will be applied to the affected area. See the back of this card for more information about Foray 48B and the treatment boundary.
- Treatments will take place in the early morning hours, usually beginning at first light and ending by 7:30 a.m.
- Three treatments will be applied, seven to 10 days apart.
- Lawn signs with treatment start dates will be posted around treatment boundaries 24 – 72 hours prior to each treatment.
- To avoid contact with the spray, stay indoors during the aerial spray treatments and for up to an hour following treatment to allow the droplets to settle.
Stay Informed
- Subscribe to the Spongy Moth News Page for email updates: www.gov.bc.ca/spongy-news
- The timing of treatments will depend on weather conditions, so signing up for program notifications is recommended. Both the website and the information line with have current spray schedule information.
- Call the Spongy Moth Information Line: 1 866 917 5999
- Visit www.gov.bc.ca/spongymoth
Spread the Word
Please let your neighbours know about the treatment plan and how they can sign up for email notifications.
Questions?
All enquiries can be directed to either the 24-hour information line at 1 866 917 5999 or by email to forests.forestpracticesbranchoffice@gov.bc.ca