The City of Toronto will implement the second round of its aerial spray program early next week in several Toronto wards to protect the tree canopy and vulnerable trees from European Gypsy Moth infestation. Gypsy moths are an invasive insect whose caterpillars feed primarily on the leaves of oak and other trees species.
Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12 and 15 have been identified for aerial spray as they contain a large portion of the City’s oak trees and exhibit significant gypsy moth egg masses. Aerial spraying will take place on Monday, June 3 from 5:30 to 7:30 a.m. and again on Tuesday, June 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 a.m. Spraying is weather dependent and will only be initiated in the right conditions. A map of the designated spray areas which identifies each location’s specific spray date is available at
http://cot-pfr2.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=fc89e8cce2324aa98736877c0eef6fb3.
During the aerial spray, two twin-engine helicopters with ultra-low-volume spray systems will fly about 15 to 30 metres above the tree canopy to apply a biological insecticide (described in detail below). The product will be applied directly to tree foliage, as Gypsy Moth caterpillars must feed on the treated leaves for the insecticide to be effective.
The health and safety of Torontonians and the health of Toronto’s environment, including the tree canopy, are key priorities for the City. Toronto Public Health is not anticipating any health impacts associated with the aerial spray program and no special precautions are required in the spray areas. The insecticide does not affect adult moths, butterflies, bees, fish, birds or mammals and is a biological control made from a naturally occurring bacterium found on dead or decaying matter in the soil. It is approved by Health Canada for urban aerial use.
Technical description of the product
The insecticide the City is using is called Foray 48B Biological Insecticide Aqueous Suspension, of which Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki is the active ingredient (identified under Pest Control Products Act Registration Number: 24977 class 11).
More information about the City’s aerial spray program is available at http://www.toronto.ca/gypsymoth or by calling 311.
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