Based on field survey research, Middlesex Centre faces a significant spongy moth (previously called gypsy moth) infestation that could affect a number of municipal woodlots and result in a significant loss of trees if no action is taken.
What is Middlesex Centre doing?
Middlesex Centre will be conducting an aerial spray of select municipal woodlots in Ilderton and Kilworth with a safe and naturally occurring insecticide to control spongy moth infestation. Spraying will not take place over municipal streets or over residential properties unless homeowners have been notified. Maps of the areas to be sprayed can be found on the municipal website.
Two treatments will be performed by helicopter within a few days of each other between 5 and 8 a.m. sometime between May 16 and June 15, 2022. The treatment will take place once the spongy moth caterpillars have emerged.
Spray dates are highly dependent on weather conditions. Once dates are confirmed, they will be posted on middlesexcentre.ca and social media 48-hours prior to spraying.
You may sign-up to receive email notice of the spraying dates at middlesexcentre.ca/spongymoths.
About Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk)
The aerial spray will use Foray 48B Biological Insecticide Aqueous Suspension, containing active ingredient Bacillus thuringiensis, subsp. Kurstaki (Btk) strain ABTS-351, (PCP# 24977) under the Pest Control Products Act (Canada).
Btk is approved for urban aerial use by Health Canada. Btk is a biological control made from a naturally occurring bacterium found in soil that poses little threat to human health. It does not affect adult moths, butterflies, bees, fish or mammals, and it biodegrades quickly in the environment.
For questions about Btk and its application contact Zimmer Air Services, the pesticide service provider, at 519-676-9550.
What should I do?
While there are no special precautions required for residents near the spray areas, there might be some inconvenience (noise, odour and temporary traffic restrictions) on the mornings the aerial spray takes place. We appreciate your patience and cooperation.
Please see our spongy moth web page for answers to frequently asked questions as well as tips on what you can do to protect your trees.