Please be advised that the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority will be spraying an organic pesticide at Chippawa Creek Conservation Area to control growing populations of gypsy moth and protect and maintain affected forest cover in the conservation area.
The organic insecticide Foray® 48B, whose active ingredient is a widely distributed soil bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk), will be applied by helicopter over susceptible forest areas. Two applications will occur approximately three to seven days apart, with the first application on May 18, and others occurring up until June 10. Timing depends on insect and tree development, as well as weather conditions.
It is important that people are not present during aerial spraying for safety and regulatory requirements related to low level flying. The spray treatment area between Concession 6 Road and Regional Road 45 will be closed for several hours while the spraying occurs. The campground area north of Regional Road 45 is not being treated.
Btk insecticide is not considered a human health risk and is not toxic to bees and other insects, birds, fish, mammals or adult moths and butterflies. Its application won’t impact moths and butterflies, like monarchs, whose caterpillars develop later in the season. Btk insecticides have been in use for over 30 years in Canada and around the world. Their use is approved by Health Canada including for aerial applications over urban areas.
Learn more about Gypsy Moth on the Forest Management page.
Questions related to the above statement can be directed to:
Erika Navarro, Communications Specialist
enavarro@npca.ca
905-650-4027