No more gypsy moth spraying in Surrey and Delta for now: Ministry

It’s been seven months since the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations did its gypsy moth spray program in Surrey and Delta.

The spraying caused major controversy as residents complained about health problems and noise from the helicopters spraying the treatment.

READ MORE: Residents raise concerns about gypsy moth spraying in Surrey and Delta

On Thursday, the ministry announced the spray program was successful, as no gypsy moths have been found in the treatment areas.

This means no follow-up spraying is needed for Surrey and Delta next year. However, the ministry will keep a close eye to determine what kind of treatment could be needed in the future.

During April, the ministry sprayed over 4,000 hectares in Surrey and 204 hectares in Delta. The substance used was Foray 48B, which contains Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki (Btk). Btk is naturally present in urban, forest, and agricultural soil throughout the province.

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The gypsy moth is an introduced species to B.C. that are unintentionally brought to B.C. on cars or equipment from eastern North America.

The caterpillars feed on tree leaves and can damage forests, farms and orchards. Gypsy moths are considered an invasive species and a direct threat to major B.C. fruit producers.