First phase of LDD Moth aerial spay program to begin Tuesday

Hamilton says beginning Tuesday, May 24, the city will begin an aerial spray program to address the areas where significant LDD Moth populations are located.

The city says the first two organic biological insecticide (Btk) applications will begin Tuesday, with the second application occurring the following week.

Low flying helicopters will begin applying Btk to wooded properties and residential streets in east and west Hamilton, Ancaster, Dundas and Waterdown. The city says the residents living within the spray area have been notified already of the spray program.

The city says there may be minor traffic delays around the spray areas between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. during the spray dates.

According to Health Canada, people are unlikely to experience any symptoms if inadvertently exposed to Bts spray and no special precautions are necessary or required. It says to stay indoors with windows and doors shut during the spray period if it is taking place in your area to reduce exposure, but this is not required by health officials.

LDD moth larvae or caterpillars will feed on tree leaves and in some cases evergreen needles. If the larvae population is too high, they will defoliate entire tree canopies and forests in a short amount of time.