Wednesday marks the first day for aerial-spraying treatment to eradicate invasive gypsy moths in North Surrey

The province says there will be three sets of spray treatment for gypsy moths this spring in Surrey

SURREY (NEWS 1130) – Notice low-flying planes in parts of Surrey Wednesday morning?

Spraying for gypsy moths has begun in the area just south of the Port Mann Bridge, near Highway 1 and Highway 17.

The province says three sets of treatment will be done this spring, and will take place from sunrise until about 7:30 a.m. daily. It’s unclear when the second and third spraying dates are scheduled for at this time.

The same area was sprayed by hand back in 2017 and 2018, but apparently was not effective. The province believes this may have been because of limited access.

Gypsy moths are an invasive species that can cause extensive damage as the caterpillars strip leaves off trees and shrubs.

Meantime, the full-grown moths like to eat the leaves off apple and other fruit trees.

Foray 48B is being used, and is being applied to 62-hectares. According to the province, the product contains bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki, which is an ingredient that’s been approved to control gypsy moth larvae in this country since the 1960s.

The province says the ingredient isn’t a danger to humans, mammals, birds, fish, plants, reptiles, amphibians, bees or other insects, and apparently only affects caterpillars after they’ve ingested it.

It’s recommended you bring any pets or livestock that might get frightened by the planes indoors, and cover anything you don’t want sprayed if you are in the affected areas.

If you want to minimize contact with the spray, the province says you might want to stay inside and close your windows and doors during the spraying, and at least a half hour after it’s done.