B.C. spray program targets invasive spongy moths on Vancouver Island this spring

The B.C.government is planning an insecticidespraying program this spring to target invasive spongy moths,formerly known as gypsy moths.

The Ministry of Forests says the spraying is planned for theGreater Victoria area and Vancouver Island communities of Courtenay,Campbell River and Port Alberni.

The ministry says in a statement the spraying is aimed atminimizing the risks spongy moths pose to forests, farms, orchardsand urban trees and to prevent the moths from becoming permanentlyestablished.

It says spongy moth caterpillars defoliate trees, and if theybecome established, many tree species, including Garry oak, arbutus,fruit, nut and ornamental varieties, will be affected.

The ministry says it will spray the biological insecticide knownas Foray 48B, which is used in organic farming and has been approvedfor use in Canada since 1961 after repeated scientific studiesconcluded the treatment poses no threats to people or animals.

The ministry says a record number of male spongy moths weretrapped across B.C. last year.