WINNIPEG, MB - July 13, 2012 - Today, the Insect Control Branch announced the start of its Spiny Elm Caterpillar control program for City trees. This season’s program will be treating very selective City boulevards and focussing on areas where the Spiny Elm Caterpillar is starting to cause significant levels of defoliation. Current surveillance information indicates that the larvae are feeding on the leaves and stripping the leaves causing significant damage and stress to these trees.
The Insect Control Branch will begin its Spiny Elm Caterpillar control program Monday, July 16, 2012 at 6:30 a.m. Tree spraying will be carried out in Insect Management Areas (IMA) 16 (Royalwood and Sage Creek neighbourhoods) IMA 22 (Waverley West and Bridgwater Forest neighbourhoods) IMA 7 (Meadows neighbourhood). Throughout the program, surveillance crews will continue to identify areas of the city where trees require treatment.
Spiny Elm Caterpillar Control Program Details
A Public Service Announcement will be issued daily providing information on what treed areas of the city will be sprayed the following day. This announcement will also be posted on the Insect Control website. The Spiny Elm Caterpillar treatment program will normally occur five days per week, Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., weather permitting.
Recent monitoring of the larval population indicates that most of the new development areas of the city will have some level of damage except on some very localised streets where severe defoliation may occur due to the Spiny Elm Caterpillar feeding on the foliage of the large stands of American Elm and Siberian Elm, the preferred host for Spiny Elm Caterpillar.
Treatment will be conducted utilizing Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), a biological, organic product, which is sprayed from high pressure tree sprayers directly onto the foliage of the trees. Once Btk is ingested by Spiny Elm Caterpillar, they stop feeding and die approximately two to three days later.
Homeowners are responsible for Spiny Elm Caterpillar control on their property
Citizens can spray their own trees with Btk, which is available at most home and garden centres or they can contract a tree spraying company by referring to the yellow pages under tree service or exterminators.
General Information
Property owners not wanting insecticides applied on or adjacent to their principle residence may register as “Anti-Pesticide Registrants” for both defoliator and/or adult nuisance mosquito control programs. Those who wish to register must provide identification that ties the registrant to the address being registered for a buffer zone. A photocopy or scanned document like a driver’s licence or utility bill will suffice as acceptable identification proving primary residence. There are four options to register. In writing to Insect Control Branch at 3 Grey Street, R2L 1V2, by faxing or e-mailing 311, or in person at 1539 Waverley Street. Please remember a minimum 72-hour turnaround time is required for processing.
Citizens may register for email notification regarding defoliator and/or adult mosquito and/or gypsy moth control programs by visiting the Insect Control website. They can also register for telephone notification by calling 311 and leaving their name, address and phone number. Once registered, residents will receive automated phone or email notification identifying the area(s) of the City in which the Insect Control crews are intending to work, weather permitting.
Interested individuals may acquire more information by contacting 311, or by visiting the City’s Insect Control website.