The province says spraying to eradicate gypsy moths, weather permitting, will start May 14 near Courtenay and May 15 in Campbell River. Photo courtesy Genome B.C.
The province is advising Courtenay and Campbell River residents of scheduled spraying efforts later this month to get rid of invasive gypsy moths in the region.
Weather permitting, aerial treatments will be made by a low-flying plane on residential and farm land four kilometres north of Courtenay over a 94-hectare area along Highway 19A May 14.
It’s the first of three treatments to be made, with spraying between 5:20 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. each day.
Crews with ground-spraying equipment will begin the first of three treatments on a 45-hectare area of residential land in Campbell River starting May 15 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The province hopes to have spraying completed by mid-June.
The Foray 48B spray contains Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki (Btk) that has been approved for gypsy moth control in Canada since 1961.
The province says Btk is naturally present in soil throughout B.C. and only affects caterpillars after it is ingested.
GPS calibration is used for the aerial spray equipment so treatment only happens when the plane is immediately over the targetted area.
Residents living near the spray zones that wish to minimize contact are advised to remain inside with their windows and doors closed during treatments, and for at least 30 minutes after.
The province says poor weather or wind may cause delays.
Andy Neal
