City of Brandon Forest Tent Caterpillar Control Program


May 18, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brandon, MB – The City of Brandon Community Services Department would like to advise the public that forest tent caterpillar control efforts will be undertaken on trees on municipal property in the coming weeks, weather-permitting. Areas that have been determined to have high infestation populations will be treated first, as determined by on-the-ground tree surveying by Community Services staff and documented public concerns. Community Services staff have observed the caterpillars primarily on ash trees in widespread areas on the North Hill and smaller population pockets throughout the City; however, these insects can affect various other types of trees and cause defoliation and damage.

Spraying will be undertaken ONLY when weather permits, effective Tuesday, May 23rd. This is highly weather dependant, as application can only be undertaken when wind speeds are less than 20km/hour and there is no rain within 24 hours of application.

City staff will undertake control spraying of city properties, including boulevards, with a biological insecticide called Dipel WP. The product will be dispersed in a high pressure spray from a trailer pulled by a City vehicle. The use of Dipel WP to control the spread of forest tent caterpillars is permitted as per the City of Brandon’s 2017 Pesticide Use Permit issued by the Province of Manitoba.

It is recommended that residents who observe City crews in their area close their windows or turn off their air conditioners and stay indoors for the duration of the control spraying efforts.

Meanwhile, residents who may wish to treat forest tent caterpillars on their private property are encouraged to contact a tree care professional or a local greenhouse/nursery for professional care solutions.

Residents with questions about the City of Brandon’s forest tent caterpillar control program may call the City of Brandon Community Services office for more information at 204-729-2148.