SURREY — A population of gypsy moth appears to be establishing itself in the northwest corner of the Guildford area of Surrey.
So say B.C. environment and agriculture officials, who plan to host a community open house to let people know about the 2017 gypsy moth ground-spray treatment program.
"Trapping results for the last three years show the gypsy moth surviving in this residential area bordered by the former Surrey Landfill and the south approach to the Port Mann Bridge," officials say in an information bulletin released today (Monday).
"If left untreated, the moth could threaten trees and farms in Surrey and spread to new areas of the province via vehicles and the movement of household goods and other materials."
- RELATED STORY, from Oct. 2014: Invasive gypsy moth found in Surrey
The gypsy moth is an introduced pest species, officials say. The caterpillars feed on tree leaves and can damage forests, farms and orchards. In recent years, large gypsy moth populations have defoliated sections of forests and residential areas in Ontario and the eastern United States.
The subject will be covered at a community open house on Thursday, April 6 at Fraser Heights Recreation Centre, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., at 10588 160th St., Surrey.
Members of the B.C. gypsy moth technical advisory committee, representatives from the ministries of Environment and Agriculture, and other experts will be in attendance to answer questions and provide information about the 2016 trapping season and the proposed 2017 treatment areas.
Now staff.