Gypsy Moth Control Program
The Provincial Government sprayed to eradicate gypsy moths in Delta in 2004. No further spraying has been planned for the Delta area. For more information, go to the Ministry of Forests gypsy moth website.
Recent History of Provincial Gypsy Moth Control Activities in Lower Mainland
- In 1999, approximately 183 hectares in South Delta, centred around the Tsawwassen First Nations land, was aerially sprayed for gypsy moths. This area has not shown any recurrence of gypsy moths. The bacterial insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis Kurstaki (BtK), commercially formulated as Foray 48B, was used.
- In 2000, about 340 hectares in Burnaby was aerially sprayed and has not required further treatment for gypsy moths.
- In 2001, approximately 33 hectares in North Delta was treated for gypsy moths using BtK in a community-based ground spray program and reduced numbers of male gypsy moths were found in the area following treatment.
In 2002 and 2003, a technique known as "mass trapping" was used instead of any type of spray program to continue to try to eradicate the gypsy moths. The mass trapping approach involved placing a high density of sticky traps, which contained an odour attractive to male gypsy moths, within the target area.
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