Aerial spraying for moth outbreak begins in Toronto this week. Here's where it's happening
The City of Toronto will start aerial spraying this week to combat what they call "outbreak levels" of moths.
The LDD moth, formerly known as the European Gypsy Moth, feeds on trees, which the city says results in severe leaf loss. This makes the trees weak and vulnerable to diseases and extreme weather conditions.
Officials said the first aerial spraying took place on Tuesday in the following areas:
- Beaches-East York
- Scarborough Southwest
- Scarborough-Agincourt
- Scarborough North
- Scarborough-Guildwood
- Scarborough-Rouge Park
The second round of spraying will take place 10 days later and come to a close by mid-June.
The spraying involves three twin-engine helicopters flying between 15 and 30 metres above the tree canopy and releasing insecticides, which take effect once the LDD moth caterpillars feed on the treated leaves.
The city says the insecticides – Foray 48B, otherwise known as Btk – are a natural bacteria typically found in soil that has been approved by Health Canada. The spray is not toxic to birds, humans, adult moths, butterflies, bees and other insects.
Here are the areas of Toronto that will be sprayed in the coming weeks:
- York Centre, Don Valley West
- Don Valley East, Don Valley North
- Willowdale, Beaches-East York
- Scarborough Southwest
- Scarborough Centre
- Scarborough-Agincourt
- Scarborough North
- Scarborough-Guildwood
- Scarborough-Rouge Park
A different pesticide will be sprayed over High Park to avoid potentially impacting other moth and butterfly species.
The upcoming dates dedicated to spraying will only be confirmed 48 hours in advance and can be cancelled based on weather conditions.
The spraying will take place between 5 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Residents can access updates on the City's spray schedule, here along with a map.
The city says there are no “special precautions” for people who live in spray zones. However, those looking to avoid exposure are recommended to stay indoors.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.