The City conducts aerial spray application to help control Spongy Moth infestations

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Helicopter in air

The ‘Spongy Moth’ (Lymantria dispar dispar, also known as the gypsy moth) is a non-native defoliating insect that feeds on a variety of tree species found in southern Ontario and can be problematic in forested areas with oak dominant species such as Mohawk Park.

The public is advised that in an effort to help control Spongy Moth infestations, the City of Brantford will be conducting an aerial spray of selected problematic areas in the city with a naturally occurring insecticide. Aerial spraying will be conducted by helicopter and take place on two days between May 10 and June 10, 2022. The designated spraying areas which will be temporarily closed during spraying include Mohawk Park, Mount Hope Cemetery, Glenhyrst Gardens and Deer Park. The Wyndham Hills area will also be sprayed and residents have received notification.

The treatment being used is a biological control made from a naturally occurring bacterium found in soil and biodegrades rapidly in the environment and is non-toxic to people, animals, birds, honeybees, fish and most other insects. Two treatments will be applied, 7 to 10 days apart, and will be performed by helicopter, weather permitting, between 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. The treatment is called 48B Biological Insecticide Aqueous Suspension (Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki strain ABTS-351) PCPA Registration No. 24977 known as “BTK”. BTK is approved for urban aerial use by Health Canada. Specific spray dates are weather dependent and will be confirmed 48-hours in advance and posted on the City’s website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages for the public’s information. Residents may register to receive 48-hour notice of spraying in their area by completing an online request for notification. More information, including spray area maps and adjacent property listings can also be found on the City’s website at brantford.ca/SpongyMoth.

Please direct any additional questions to the City’s Forestry Division by emailing forestry@brantford.ca or by calling 519-759-4150 ext.5766. Collect calls will be accepted.

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