Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,
The City is advising area residents that it will begin an aerial spray program to address significant LDD Moth (formerly known as Gypsy Moth) populations in certain areas.
For more details, please continue reading below…
HAMILTON, ON – Beginning next month, the City will begin its aerial spray program to address the areas where significant LDD Moth (previously referred to as Gypsy Moth) populations are located in Hamilton. An organic biological insecticide – Foray 48 Biological Insecticide Aqueous Suspension (PCP# 24977) will be applied to wooded properties and residential streets in East and West Hamilton, Ancaster, Dundas and Waterdown, to help manage the infestation on city-owned properties.
The organic biological insecticide specifically targets LDD caterpillars and contains a naturally occurring bacterium that when ingested kills the caterpillar within one to two days. The product has minimal environmental impact and will have no health impact on humans, other types of insects, pets, other animals or bees.
City of Hamilton Forestry crews have been monitoring LDD Moth populations over recent years. Most recently, in the fall of 2021, the City engaged a contractor to complete egg mass surveys. The completed surveys showed 47 per cent of plots exceed 2500 egg masses per hectare, which is one of the factors used to determine spray locations.
The aerial spray program will reduce LDD Moth populations in Hamilton, but it will not eradicate the pest entirely. The City will continue public education efforts to inform residents about what they can do to limit infestations on their own property.
The Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) will be working with City of Hamilton staff to complete aerial spray applications on affected lands adjacent to the RBG Arboretum.
The aerial spray program treatment period is scheduled between May 15, 2022 and June 15, 2022.The exact dates and time for the aerial spray are weather dependent and the City will share up to date details 48 hours prior to each application on www.hamilton.ca/LDDMoth and the City’s Twitter channel. Residents will also be able to use the interactive map on the webpage to search spray locations by address. Each treatment area will be sprayed twice, with the second application occurring seven to 10 days after the first application.
Questions or concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact our office here.