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Niagara Falls
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Gypsy moth spray program delayed

An aerial spray program combating gypsy moths and protecting tree canopy has been delayed.

Niagara Parks has initially planned to start the program on May 19, however, the first spray application is now scheduled for May 30 to June 6. The second one is planned for June 13 to 20. The spray will be applied by a low-flying helicopter between 5 and 8 a.m. in the areas of Paradise Grove, which is at the corner of John Street and Niagara Parkway, and Upper Whirlpool Woods, a wooded area across from the Whirlpool Golf Course.

“The primary delay was due to the slow leaf-out of the oak trees this year, which are about two weeks behind as a result of the colder spring,” said Corey Burant, a project manager for Niagara Parks. “Now that the leaves are out, the caterpillars have begun feeding, so now it is just a matter of getting some dry days with minimal wind.”

The gypsy moth caterpillars are an invasive species that defoliate and damage trees.

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