Aerial Spray Treatment of Lymantria (Gypsy) Moths

February 28, 2022

Information provided from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development

The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development (the Ministry) has prepared a plan to protect Vancouver Island's forests, parks and neighbourhood trees from the Lymantria (Gypsy) moth; a devastating invasive pest.

Lymantria moth trapping data from 2021 revealed that a population of Lymantria moths along the Trans-Canada Highway near Burnett Road threatens to become established. As such, the Ministry has determined it necessary to treat 50 hectares of agricultural, residential and commercial properties to eradicate these Lymantria moths.

The planned treatment will use aircraft to apply a biological insecticide (Foray 48B) in Spring 2022. Up to four (4) treatments will be applied in the early morning hours, starting in mid-April or early May, and occur seven (7) to 10 days apart.

The active ingredient of Foray 48B is Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki (Btk), a bacterium that occurs naturally in soil. Btk is commonly used in organic agriculture and is effective at treating Lymantria moths. Btk only impacts caterpillars that eat sprayed leaves and it has a proven safety record around humans. Livestock, pets, birds, fish, spiders, bees, ladybugs and amphibians are not impacted by Btk.

Attend a Lymantria moth spray program virtual open house

The Ministry invites the public to learn more about the treatment plans in View Royal by attending the virtual open house on March 1, 2022.

To register, please select the link below and fill out the registration form. The open house log-in details will be sent to you in an email.

Session 1: Tuesday March 1, 2022 - 6:30pm to 8:00pm

A panel of Lymantria moth management specialists will discuss:

  • Moth biology and impact
  • Detection of new populations
  • Treatment rationales and procedures
  • Managing health and environmental risks
  • How to stay informed

There will be an opportunity to ask questions following the panelists' presentations.

 

To learn more about the Ministry's Lymantria Moth Program: