April 4, 2006Noel Ryan AuditoriumMississauga Central Library

Gypsy Moth Resident Forum

Gypsy Moth Overview

• European Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) introduced to North America in the 1860s

• Considered to be the most damaging defoliating insect in Eastern North America

• In heavy infestation periods, the Gypsy Moth is devastating to most tree species not just preferred hardwoods such as oak, maple and elm

Life Cycle

Mississauga’s Infestation• Gypsy Moth has present in Mississauga

for more than 20 years

• Staff has worked with residents monitoring population levels and offering expert advice on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) options

• Conducted extensive research and sought advice from other levels of government in Canada, US and abroad for other options

• 2003 and 2004 began to see an increase in Gypsy Moth population levels

• 2005 significant defoliation was reported in Gordon Woods and Mineola West.

• Detailed inspections were conducted in July/August 2005

• Results – found trees covered with egg masses, some with as many as 800.

Time Line2003/2004 - ongoing monitoring

2005 – significant increase in population

Jan. 2006 - staff report to Council outlining issue and the need for action

• independent consultant, BioForest Technologies Inc. hired (requested to look at all viable control options)

Mar. 2006 – treatment recommendations presented to Council (staff and consultant)

• Council approved aerial spray treatment

• Aerial Spray Contractor, Zimmer Air Services hired

April 2006 – exemption request submitted to Transport Canada for approval

May 2006 – Aerial spray treatment to begin

• Egg mass numbers on trees streets City woodlands some private properties

• Profiled the trees type (species) size (dia. and height) health

• Collected egg mass information egg masses/tree size location

• Focused on City extents of infestations

Survey Methodology

0 - lm9%

lm - 3m8%

10m+74%

3m -10m9%

dime19%

nickel18%

quarter31%

toonie11%

plus21%

red oak65%

white oak16%

black oak3%

spruce3%

black cherry13%

Over 70% egg masses found 10m high

MAKING EGG MASS REMOVAL DIFFICULT

Over 60% egg masses larger than a quarter

INDICATES POPULATION INCREASING

Over 80% egg masses found on oaks

POPULATION TARGETING OAK

DOMINANT AREAS

Proposed Gypsy Moth Breakout Areas

GYPSY MOTH

SPRAY ZONES

Integrated Pest Management

Zones

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

• decision making process that utilizes a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health and environmental risks

• approach uses knowledge of pest, plant and environmental conditions to select the best combination for management strategies

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)• egg mass scraping

• tree skirting and banding

• pheromone scents and traps

• Insecticide application – Btk

• Plant Health Care for Urban Forests

Integrated Pest Management

Gypsy Moth Egg Mass Locations

Bacterial and Viral Natural Controls

Maimaiga Disease Nucleopolyhedrosis Virus (NPV)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Collect and destroy, apply Btk, encourage predators

CATERPILLARS

Collect and destroy

Collect and destroy, pheromone traps to capture male moths

PUPAE

EGG MASSES

MOTHS

EGG MASSES

Scrape, collect and destroy egg masses from sheltered surfaces:

trees, vehicles, outdoor equipment, and buildings

Timing of Control Measures

Btk - Bacillus thuringiensis sub-species kurstaki

– used for over 40 years in Canada

– not considered a human health hazard - Health Canada (PMRA)

– only toxic to small group of lepidopteron insects (larva of moths and butterflies)

Approvals

• Transport Canada – unable to proceed without their approval

• Ministry of Transportation

• Ministry of the Environment

• Police – Peel, OPP, RCMP

What To Expect

Before The Spray

• All property owners within spray zones will receive a detailed information/notification brochure

• week prior – newspaper advertisements, road signs, web site update, posters, e-mail notification, hotline message,

• 48 to 24 hours prior – website update, hotline message update, e-mail notification to resident associations

During The Spray• spray time is between 5 – 7:30 a.m.• will be able to hear the helicopter • may smell a musty odour• will not be able to see the spray – mist will

be too fine and concentrated on the top of the tree canopies

Following The Spray

• Recommend staying indoors for 30 minutes

• Use regular hygiene for clean up – washing with soap and water

Information Resources • Website

www.mississauga.ca/pestmanagement•up-to-date information and resources•Btk information and health links•Integrated Pest Management

• E-mail: gypsy.moth@mississauga.ca

• Hotline: 905-615-3200, ext. 7878