Richmond gypsy moths may be targeted with pesticide

The ministry of forests and range wants to spray pesticide next year in Richmond to eliminate a growing population of gypsy moths.

The forest ministry has applied to the ministry of environment for a permit to spray 806 hectares in the municipality with a pesticide approved for use on organic farms.

The ministry has proposed up to four aerial applications of Foray 48B between April 15 and June 30 to control the moth, which threatens forests, farms, orchards and trees.

The gypsy moth is a voracious feeder of over 300 trees and shrubs,” said ministry official Tim Ebata.

"It wouldn’t take long for the gypsy moth to strip trees bare if the population is allowed to establish and go into an outbreak.”

Ebata said the proposed spraying would not be covered by a bylaw passed recently in Richmond banning pesticide spraying.

The Richmond ban was designed primarily to stop the spraying of lawns and does not apply to applications used to manage agriculture or forestry, said Ebata. The pesticide Foray 48B is also not covered by the Richmond prohibition, he added.

Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie said he doesn’t expect any serious opposition to the program.

"We’ve been through gypsy moth spraying before in Richmond and there were no ill effects.”

The spray does not harm humans, mammals, birds, fish, plants or reptiles, according to the ministry.

The province took over responsibility for aerial pesticide spraying in 1998 from Agriculture Canada. There was aerial spraying to eradicate gypsy moth infestation in Richmond in 1993.

The moth could spread to other areas of B.C., if left untreated, by container, rail and shipyards in Richmond, said Ebata.

The ministry has been in regular contact with Richmond municipal officials about the spraying, he added.

Residents are invited to submit any comments on the spray plan to the Integrated Pest Management Act administrator by Dec. 18.