Winnipeg, MB – On Sunday, May 24, 2020, 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 IMA 5 (Glenelm) and IMA 2 (Kildonan Drive). Spraying is scheduled to occur Sunday to Thursday evenings during this projected 5-6 week program. Spraying will not occur if there is significant rainfall or winds are greater than 20 km/hr.
“Current surveillance information indicates that the tree pest caterpillar larvae are feeding on the leaves” said Ken Nawolsky, Superintendent of Insect Control. “Winnipeggers can expect to see moderate levels of defoliation in some parts of the city in June based on surveillance information.”
This season’s program will be treating City boulevards and focusing on City parks and cemeteries where tree pest caterpillar species are starting to cause defoliation on city trees.
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 want to register must provide identification that ties the registrant to the address being registered for a buffer zone. A photocopy or scanned document such as a driver’s licence or utility bill will suffice as acceptable identification proving primary residence.
Due to COVID-19, you may not register for a buffer zone in person. Buffer zone applications must be received through one of the following options:
- 311 online service request
- Email to 311@winnipeg.ca
- Fax to 311
- In writing to the Insect Control Branch at 3 Grey Street, Winnipeg MB R2L 1V2
Register for notification
The City offers an automated telephone and email notification system. Residents who register for this service will receive daily phone or email notifications for tree pest control activities. To register for the automated email or telephone notifications, residents can go to City of Winnipeg – Register for Notification or contact 311.
More information
For more information, contact 311or visit the City’s Insect Control website.