Winnipeg, MB – On Tuesday, May 22, 2018, weather permitting, the City of Winnipeg's Insect Control Branch will commence its tree pest caterpillar control program starting at 9:30 p.m. in Insect Management Areas 42 (Central Park, Colony, Daniel McIntyre, Portage - Ellice, Spence, West Alexander) and 45 (Burrows Central, Robertson). The program will be targeting the forest tent caterpillar, elm spanworm, and the spring and fall cankerworm species. Spraying will not occur if there is significant rainfall or winds are greater than 20 km/hr.
Treatment will be conducted utilizing Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki (Btk), a biological, organic product which is sprayed from high pressure tree sprayers directly onto the foliage of the trees located in City parks and on City boulevards. Once Btk is ingested by the tree pest caterpillars, they stop feeding and perish approximately two to three days later. This product has been approved for use in Canada by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency, and will be used in accordance with federally approved label directions by licensed pesticide applicators.
Buffer zones
All buffer zones will be respected. Crews will ensure that the sprayer is not treating within 30 metres on each side of a registered property on the front street, side street, and rear lane.
Residents can apply for a 30-metre buffer zone in order to exempt their property during a tree pest caterpillar treatment program. Property owners not wanting insecticides applied on or adjacent to their principal residence may register as “Anti-Pesticide Registrants” for tree pest caterpillar control using Btk. 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, Manitoba Hydro, Bell MTS or other utility bill will suffice as acceptable identification proving primary residence.
There are three different options to register:
- In writing to Insect Control Branch at 3 Grey Street, Winnipeg, MB R2L 1V2;
- Contacting 311
- In person at 1539 Waverley Street.
A 72-hour turnaround time is required for processing.
Email notification
Citizens may register for email notification regarding adult mosquito and/or tree pest caterpillar control programs by visiting City of Winnipeg – Insect Control Register for Notification. 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.
More information
For more information contact 311, or visit City of Winnipeg – Insect Control Branch.