Second phase of Hamilton aerial moth spray starts tomorrow

Hamilton | Community |

By

Published May 30, 2022 at 2:21 pm

The City of Hamilton is scheduled to conduct the second part of an aerial spray program aimed at combatting an invasive moth species this week.

Starting Tuesday morning (May 31) at 5 a.m. low flying helicopters apply an organic biological insecticide (Btk) to wooded properties and residential streets in east and west Hamilton, Ancaster, Dundas and Waterdown.

This second phase of the program is carried out in two parts with the second spray happening at the same time on Wednesday (June 1).

The City warns that there may be minor traffic delays around the spray areas between the hours of 5 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on both days, weather permitting.

Btk specifically targets LDD moths (previously known as Gypsy Moths) and other caterpillars and contains a naturally occurring bacterium that when ingested kills the caterpillar within one to two days.

In areas where there are abundant populations of the caterpillars, the larvae have been known to defoliate entire tree canopies.

According to Health Canada, members of the public are unlikely to experience any symptoms if inadvertently exposed to Btk spray, and no special precautions are necessary or required.

More information about the City of Hamilton’s response to LLD moths, including an interactive map of the areas being sprayed this week, can be found on the City’s website.

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising