Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has released its 2021 Gypsy Moth predictions at the link below:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/gypsy-moth
It looks like our area is forecasted to be severe again. The following map shows gypsy moth damage in 2020 and the MNRF’s forecast for defoliation in 2021.
If you have been considering having your property sprayed this spring, please make arrangements for this as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss out.
THE 2021 GYPSY MOTH SPRAYING CONTRACT DEADLINE IS MARCH 1.
Following is a link to Zimmer Air’s website, should you require further information about spraying for forest pest control.
https://zimmerair.com/services/aerial-application-services/forest-pest-control/
SDRA Board
In 2019 the Gypsy Moth defoliation impacted 47,203 hectares of forest – mildly impacting our area. In 2020, of the 586,385 hectares of defoliation recorded in Ontario, most of the moderate to severe defoliation occurred in the Eastern districts including Peterborough and Bancroft areas (561,469 hectares). Our area! MNRF identifies that there are biocontrol agents present that may be able to impact the 2021 infestation, however, the biocontrol agents require very specific conditions to flourish . If we have another spring like last spring, there will be a bumper crop of Gypsy Moths and larvae next year. I, and other concerned landowners have been petitioning MNRF to take action since October – to no avail. Our trees may not make it through another year without spraying. As Jackie says above, if you have been considering spraying, please don’t miss out! Get your applications in asap to ZimmerAir.