Pest caterpillar spraying program to launch Monday

The City of Winnipeg’s annual battle against tree pest caterpillars is slated to begin Monday when, weather permitting, crews will begin spraying for the creepy crawlers.

Spraying crews will treat boulevards, city parks and cemeteries where tree pest caterpillars are plentiful and have begun to defoliate trees. Specific locations will be determined through daily inspections, the city said in a news release Thursday.

The chemical used by the city is sprayed directly onto tree leaves. When pest caterpillars ingest it, they stop feeding and die within three days.

The spraying program will begin in the Munroe West, Rossmere B, Jefferson, Kildonan Park and Seven Oaks insect management areas, the release said.

Residents can apply for a 30-metre buffer zone to prevent spraying of their property. Applications must include a letter and photo ID linked to the address in question. Applications can be submitted online, via email, in writing or in person at 1539 Waverley St.

The city also offers an automated daily telephone and email notification system for insect control activities. Residents can register online or by contacting 311.

More information is available online.