The City of London today announced an initial date for the first of two aerial sprays to address Gypsy Moth infestation.
The Gypsy Moth Control Program is focused on two locations in the Byron area: Somerset Woods Park and Warbler Woods Environmentally Significant Area (ESA). These areas have been identified as having the highest infestations and damage in the city.
The program involves several components including surveys, trapping and disposal of caterpillars, manual removal of egg masses and aerial spraying of the biological control agent Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki (Btk) by helicopter.
"Btk has been proven to be safe and effective in controlling Gypsy Moth infestations in municipalities across Southern Ontario," says Ivan Listar, Urban Forester. "London's spray operation should ensure moth populations are knocked back significantly."
The spray window has been established to run from May 22 to June 3, with the first aerial spray anticipated to take place on Friday, May 22 between 5 and 8 a.m.
For residents adjacent to the two spray areas, no special precautions are required. Periodic road closures lasting five to 15 minutes may be necessary along Commissioners Road West, Byron Baseline Road, Boler Road and Colonel Talbot Road in the vicinity of the spray areas.
Spray dates are weather dependent and are determined 24 to 48 hours in advance. The second spraying typically takes place three to five days after the first. Notification of the second and final spray will follow as soon as a date is established.
