A community open house about the 2017 gypsy moth ground spray treatment program in Surrey will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2017, 3:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting, which will take place in the multi-purpose room at Fraser Heights Recreation Centre, 10588 - 160 St. in 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.

The 2016 gypsy moth trapping data reveals that a population of gypsy moth appears to be establishing itself in the northwest corner of the Guilford neighborhood in North Surrey. 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.

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.

The gypsy moth is an introduced pest species. 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.

Learn More:

Learn more about gypsy moths, threats and treatment: www.gov.bc.ca/gypsymoth