The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations plans to aerially treat approximately 23,800 hectares of forest in the Merritt area to reduce populations of western spruce budworm.

The biological agent Foray 48B will be applied by helicopter on or about June 15-17, weather permitting, on 14 sites near Stump Lake, Kingsvale, Coldwater and Kane Valley.

The western spruce budworm is an insect that is native to B.C. and the Pacific Northwest. In its larval stage, it defoliates Douglas-fir, true firs, spruce and larch trees. A budworm outbreak has the potential to seriously harm or kill trees over large areas.

The pest management plan and maps of the treatment areas can be viewed at the Thompson Okanagan Region Forest Health Program office at 441 Columbia Street, Kamloops or online at: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/rsi/ForestHealth/Western_Spruce_Budworm_Spray_2013_Thompson.htm

Foray 48B is a biological insecticide that is widely used in B.C. and is registered with the Organic Materials Review Institute. The active ingredient in Foray 48B is the naturally occurring bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk). This spray affects only moth and butterfly larvae and can be used safely around humans and other animals. Birds, household pets, fish and beneficial insects (including honey bees) are not affected.

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261