large-scale pest control program has residents worried

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large-scale pest control program has residents worried

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uploaded by Gavin_Cummings

The European Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) is an introduced defoliating insect that is
considered a major pest in North America. The caterpillar, or larva stage of the insect, eats the leaves of trees making them more susceptible to disease and damage from other insects.

A growing population of gypsy moths is reaching its peak potential for damage which experts say, if left unchecked, will result in severe defoliation, decline and loss of trees across the Hamilton area. The potential loss of thousands of trees from Hamilton’s urban forest has wide-ranging effects on the environment, human health and local economy. Other butterflies, moths and beneficial insects - results of experiments suggest that rare non-target species of butterflies may be ecologically at risk in large-scale pest control programs based on Btk. The study showed that both numbers of non-target insects over the test period and species richness were depressed for 3 year following treatment. Some spring-feeding caterpillars of moths and butterflies will be adversely affected by exposure to Btk. 

Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) is a live microorganism that kills certain insects and is used to kill unwanted insects in forests, agriculture, and urban areas.
In a purified form, some of the proteins produced by B.t. are acutely toxic to mammals. However, in their natural form, acute toxicity of commonly-used B.t. varieties is limited to caterpillars, mosquito larvae, and beetle larvae. B.t. is closely related to B. cereus, a bacteria that causes food poisoning and to B. anthracis, the agent of the disease anthrax. Few studies have been conducted on the chronic health effects, carcinogenicity, or mutagenicity of B.t. People exposed to B.t. have complained of respiratory, eye, and skin irritation, and one corneal ulcer has occurred after direct contact with a B.t. formulation. People also suffer from allergies to the "inert" (secret) ingredients. People with compromised immune systems may be particularly susceptible to B.t.

Viable B.t. spores are known to exist for up to one year following application. Insect resistance to B.t. has been well documented. Genetic engineering may greatly expand use of B.t., speeding up the development of more resistance.

Large-scale applications of B.t. can have far reaching ecological impacts. B.t. can reduce dramatically the number and variety of moth and butterfly species, which in turn impacts birds and mammals that feed on caterpillars. In addition, a number of beneficial insects are adversely impacted by B.t.

Members of the Hamilton Community are shocked that they were left in a fog.

And are worried about the effects that BTK could have on pets and children.

Open houses have been planned and I’m sure this won’t be the last you hear about BTK.