The arrival of a new gang in town has the city of Lethbridge declaring war. The city is being overrun by caterpillars.
“This year is fairly significant,” says Lindsay Bell, an urban forestry technician. “By the end of June, these trees will be stripped bare.”
The tiny creatures are emerging in clusters, attacking trees in parks. The infestation is also taking over the river bottom in Lethbridge.
“It sounds like it’s raining when they are all falling from the trees,” according to one visitor to Indian Battle Park.
The city of Lethbridge says caterpillar outbreaks occur about every 12 years, but this is by far the worst it’s ever been.
“These pests will defoliate for a few years and then we won’t see them again for 15 years or so and then it gives the trees a chance to build up reserves in the future,” says Bell.
The creepy creatures have some people running for cover while others want to take the crawlers home as pets. Many children playing at the park were enjoying the pests.
The city of Lethbridge says control is not usually necessary. Insecticides are not recommended as they can do more harm than good.
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