Friday, March 29, 2024

Gypsy moth spray around around Elk Lake and Bear Hill Regional Park postponed

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The province has cancelled the gypsy moth spraying that was to begin today.

A decision on when to go forward with the aerial spray, set to hit nearly 182 hectares will be made at a later date.

Areas around Elk Lake and Bear Hill Regional Park were to be sprayed.

The 2016 gypsy moth trapping data revealed that a population of moths on Bear Hill, north of Elk Lake, has persisted for at least three years and appears to be growing.

If left untreated, the moth could threaten endangered Garry oak ecosystems around Elk Lake and spread to new areas of the province via vehicles and the movement of household goods and other materials.

Various factors influence the spray timing including the weather, the number of leaves on trees and the number of hatched caterpillars.

Officials need to avoid rain within six hours of the spray, at the risk of harming its effectiveness by washing it off the leaves.

Three separate sets of treatments are required this spring. The spray will be applied by a low-flying plane, the spraying will start shortly after sunrise (5:20 a.m.) and be completed by 7:30 a.m. Each treatment is expected to take one day to apply.

The ministry is aiming to have the spraying completed by early June.

Residents immediately next to the treatment area are likely to hear the aircraft at some point during the treatment.

The spray equipment is GPS-calibrated and controlled, and spraying will occur only when the plane is immediately over the treatment area.

Up-to-date spraying is available online at and on the toll-free gypsy moth line at 1 866 917-5999.

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Victoria Buzz Staffhttps://www.victoriabuzz.com
Your inside source for Greater Victoria happenings. Established in 2012.

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