Elm Bark Beetle Control Program begins

Released: July 5, 2013 at 9:50 a.m.

Winnipeg, MB - On Monday, July 8, 2013, the City of Winnipeg's Public Works Department will begin the Elm Bark Beetle Control Program - weather permitting. The program is intended to control elm bark beetles, the carriers of Dutch Elm Disease (DED).

The Public Works Department is expanding the Elm Bark Beetle Control Program this summer to reduce the incidence of DED. As previously announced, this increased effort is part of the Comprehensive Strategy to Enhance the Protection of our Urban Forest from DED for which City Council approved additional funding as part of Budget 2013.

Historically, elm bark beetle control has focused on treating elms on public and private properties along river corridors, and on public and private properties where diseased elms have been identified and removed. This enhanced program expands the treatment to all elms in the City of Winnipeg on all public and private properties, whereby half of the elm population is treated each year on a two year rotation. This year’s program will focus on the north half of the city.

The Elm Bark Beetle Control Program will begin on Monday July 8, 2013 in Insect Management Area 50 in the following neighbourhoods; Jefferson, Kildonan Park, Seven Oaks - weather permitting.

Weekly Public Service Announcements will be issued on Fridays throughout the program indicating what Insect Management Areas the treatment will occur the following week.

Treatment will occur between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, weather permitting. Treatment will occur on an ongoing basis until fall.

General Information

Treatment will be conducted using Dursban Turfâ� or Pyrate 480 ECâ� (Chlorpyrifos), chemical products, which are sprayed from portable sprayers directly onto the lower 50 centimetres of the tree trunk. 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.

Citizens wanting personal notification by telephone and/or email of Elm Bark Beetle Control Program activities can sign up by:

  • contact 311, open 24 hours every day, by phone at 311 or by email at 311@winnipeg.ca,
  • Registering online
  • Contacting the Insect Control Branch in writing at 3 Grey Street, R2L 1V2, or
  • In person at 1539 Waverley Street.

Interested individuals may acquire more information by contacting 311, or by visiting the City’s Insect Control website.

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