Gypsy moth spraying should not be done
I am writing with concern over the plan to overhead spray 231 hectares in Central Cowichan with Btk foray 48b in April and June 2020. The article by Lexi Bainas needed much more information.
The article states that there is “clear evidence that gypsy moths are becoming established in proposed treatment areas.” What evidence exactly?
The pheromone trapping has been going on successfully for over 20 years.
According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and FLNRORD the pheromone trapping of 2019 provided 55 moths in 22 areas. Does that warrant poisoning human beings, triggering persons suffering with COPD, contaminating farm lands? No!
It sickens me that likely the main reason the government choosing to do the overhead spraying now is the U.S. “requiring” B.C. to spray to be able to continue to ship raw logs with bark and Christmas trees. Must we bow down to them?
In this time where the world is concerned with its footprint isn’t it neglectful for the government to blanket a large populated area with a poison when the ground crews using the pheromones has been working? There are most definitely alternative routes to investigate. What is wrong with us?
I know the powers that be are attempting to promote how safe this spraying is, that it is not toxic. The spray is killing the gypsy moth, butterflies so there is something toxic.
The public should be informed that pathogenic bacteria are permitted and found in insecticides such as Btk. These bacteria include e. coli, staph, step? Is this what we want deposited on ourselves and our land, our children and our property? Again NO!
What can we expect when we spray our produce with these pathogens? No wonder the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) is constantly recalling sprouts, lettuce etc.
We need to find a better solution, and where will the decision makers be when the spray is being released?
Nora Hayward
Lake Cowichan