Tussock Moth Spraying Completed
By: Castanet Staff, Castanet.net :: Wednesday Jun 6, 2010
The City of Kelowna and Ministry of Forests and Range have completed the remaining aerial pesticide applications in their program to manage the Douglas fir Tussock Moth outbreak.
Wednesday morning, a low flying helicopter applied the licensed biological pesticide Foray 48B (active ingredient Bt-k.) on identified lands in the Duck Mountain area.
The City has completed planned treatments under the Pesticide Use Permit issued by the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Forests and Range will continue to monitor insect activity.
Residents and individuals in the last area treated today should follow these recommendations to minimize exposure:
- After aerial application, residents within treatment areas should wash all fruit and vegetables from home gardens before eating
- Wipe down children’s play structures and any other structures used by children.
- The spray does not cause damage to automobile, house, boat or trailer paints or finishes. If left to harden it can be removed with water but may require more effort. The sooner it is washed off, the easier it is to remove.
The City website, kelowna.ca/environment has links to more information and documents regarding the Douglas fir Tussock Moth and its spray program.
The infestation of Douglas fir Tussock Moth has been identified by the Ministry of Forests and Range on forested Crown land and public and private properties in these high priority areas.
The insect defoliates and kills trees very quickly posing a fire hazard but may also cause health issues with humans, dogs and horses through a condition known as Tussockosis, related to the hairs of the moth.
Some people suffer mild allergic type reactions ranging from general itchiness, watery eyes and skin rashes while in rare instances more severe respiratory conditions are possible