Second spraying to control gypsy moths planned for Friday

Journal Staff Sarnia is planning to conduct its second and final application of a biological insecticide to control gypsy moths on Friday, June 5.

Journal Staff

Sarnia is planning to conduct its second and final application of a biological insecticide to control gypsy moths on Friday, June 5.

Once again, a twin-engine helicopter will spray 64 hectares (157 acres) of north Sarnia that includes Canatara Park and Lake Chipican Drive, Oak Acres Park, Lakeshore Road east of Modeland, and Colborne Road north of Michigan, south of Cathcart, and east to Errol Road and Ridgewood Drive.

Spraying each area will takes about 15 minutes and occur between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. Spraying is very dependent on weather conditions and subject to change.

Residents can expect road closures and loud noise from the helicopter, the city said.

The first application in the four target zones was applied Monday, June 1.

Gypsy moths, an invasive species whose caterpillars can quickly defoliate trees, attacked pockets of the urban forest last summer.

Homeowners within the four spray zones were sent a letter. Additional information can be found at https://www.sarnia.ca/gypsy-moth-control-program/

The program, expected to cost $82,000, was almost scrapped in April when council cut costs to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more on Btk visit the Government of Canada’s website: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/reports-publications/pesticides-pest-management/fact-sheets-other-resources/bacillus-thuringiensis-subspecies-kurstaki.html