I am pretty horrified by the latest widespread spraying of Foray 48B for the control of gypsy moths.
Foray 48B is an extremely effective at killing caterpillars. All caterpillars. Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies. More than 4,500 hectares of land was sprayed to kill caterpillars. So if you are in the spray zone of Surrey and Delta and you see a moth or butterfly, enjoy it. You will likely not get to see the offspring. Butterfly garden? Not in Surrey.
Foray 48B remains effective for around one week after application. Surrey will get three applications. All butterfly and moth eggs that hatch and feed in the spray zone within the effective period will die.
Butterfly colonies are very poor at multiplying. Continued spraying of Foray 48B will have a severe effect on butterfly populations and a disastrous effect on endangered species.
Moth and butterfly caterpillars are also a huge part of the diet of birds, especially our native species of birds.
I do know there are other methods for control that are better able to target the gypsy moth specifically. These methods take time, teaching and the involvement of the community.
It was cheaper to spray. I’m not so sure it was smarter.
Laurelle Oldford-Down