The European Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) is an introduced defoliating insect that is considered a major pest in North America. The caterpillar, or larva stage of the insect, eats the leaves of trees making them more susceptible to disease and damage from other insects.
The City of Toronto has conducted aerial and ground spray programs in May 2008 to control the outbreak levels of European Gypsy Moth in selected areas of the City.
Please see the maps below and the Gypsy Moth in Toronto: What you need to Know guide for details and locations.
Please be advised that the 2nd application of Btk has been completed for the following spray blocks in the City of Toronto:
Community meetings were held on March 25 and March 27, 2008. Notices of those meetings are below.
Affected areas
Click on Image for a large picture and more detailed maps
City of Toronto Resources
Resource Guide: Gypsy Moth Control in Toronto: What You Need to Know. Click here (PDF)
Gypsy Moth Guide for Homeowners. Click Here (PDF)
This resource guide provides detail on the three methods to control the Gypsy Moth in Toronto - aerial spray, ground spray and egg mass removal. Information on spray days and times, spray zones, use of the Btk pesticide, road closures and the resident notification process can be found in the guide.
What Can You Do section provides Gypsy Moth control methods for homeowners and residents.
Staff report: Control of European Gypsy Moth Outbreak in some areas of the City of Toronto (December 2006). To read the staff report, click here (PDF)
Powerpoint presentations:
- Gypsy Moth and the proposed Integrated Pest Management Program, click here. (PDF)
- The life cycle of the Gypsy Moth and its impacts. To view the presentation, click here (PPT)
Q&A: gypsy moth and the proposed control program
click here
Fact sheet: European Gypsy Moth click here (PDF)
Contact us
For information on Gypsy Moth Control in Toronto, contact:
For information about medical and public health concerns of Btk, contact:
Toronto Public Health:
