Gypsy Moth spraying this May in Moore Park

There will be aerial spraying of trees in Moore Park and nearby areas this spring to combat the recurring problem of Gypsy Moth infestations. It is the first year since 2008 that arbourlogists have detected a sufficient presence of moth egg masses to require spraying. The Moore Park Residents Association says the spray is likely to occur between May 15 and June 2 and be scheduled between 5 am and 7:30 am in order to minimize disruption. The Urban Forestry Branch will notify affected residents over the next few weeks by delivery of notices, signage, website information and media releases. The last outbreak of Gypsy Moth in Toronto in 2007 and 2008 was successfully suppressed through a combination of the build-up of natural enemies, integrated pest management measures and aerial and ground treatments of Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki (Btk), a naturally-occurring bacterium having insecticidal properties. The same spray will be used in 2013. Since that time levels of Gypsy Moth have been very low. But this year there has been detection of the pest in Moore Park and ten other areas of Toronto, particularly near the intersection of Princess Margaret Boulevard and Kipling Avenue. This present level of infestation was not expected and is contrary to past population cycles throughout the Gypsy Moth’s present range. Gypsy Moth outbreaks typically come in a 7-10 year cycle and last for 2-3 years. It is likely that this level of infestation points to the beginning of another outbreak in these areas — with City of Toronto website information.