What is happening…

The Ministry of Forests trapped 34 Spongy Moths (formerly Gypsy Moth) in Cranbrook, BC last year. As a result, they have applied for a permit to crop dust 299 hectares of the city with the biological insecticide Foray 48B to target the Spongy Moth. Three aerial sprayings are planned from April to June. Spraying schedules are weather dependent, therefore there may be short notice to the public. Planes will fly low over the treatment area, spraying from sunrise to 7:30am. The BC Spongy Moth Technical Advisory Committee offered an online open house with information and questions/answers on February 6, 2024. Only about 30 people were in attendance. Public input is requested via email (more info below).

Why the concern…

Our homes, gardens, backyards, parks, playground equipment, businesses, Joseph Creek, schools, property, pets and native insects are located within the spray zone. Foray 48B is being promoted as safe, but is it?

• Foray 48B has been documented to cause respiratory, eye, and skin reactions in humans.

• Other countries have banned aerial spray of Foray 48B due to health risks.

• Ministry of Forests has advised all residents to stay indoors during spraying with windows and doors closed. What about our homeless population? How will those travelling to work or working outdoors be impacted? Does staying indoors completely stop exposure?

• Foray 48B hardens on surfaces after a few minutes and remains on surfaces for approximately 7 days. This insecticide will remain on playground equipment, school grounds, and surfaces like car door handles for several days after each of the 3 applications. Rotary Park, Kinsman Park, Amy Woodland School, Laurie School, and the Cranbrook Dog Park are all in the spray zone, with other schools, parks and the hospital adjacent.

• Foray 48B impacts all moth and butterfly species that eat sprayed leaves (not just the Spongy Moth). Cranbrook is home to the Dione Copper Butterfly, considered a red listed species at risk in BC. How will this impact our native moths and butterflies? How will this impact our ecosystem?

• Foray 48B MSDS data sheet includes the environmental precaution to “keep out of drains, sewers, ditches, and waterways.” Cranbrook’s application zone includes Joseph Creek. Adjacent to the spray zone is Alkali, Sylvan, Four Lakes, and Elizbeth Lake. Will the spray applied to streets, parking lots, and rooftops eventually run into our waterways?

• Foray 48B composition information includes 12.65% BTK and 87.35% proprietary ingredients, meaning we do not know what the other ingredients are.

• No informed consent. There is no way for residents in the spray zone to opt out of application to their private property. Even if they have serious health conditions.

  ** See References Page

Other options …

We care about the health of our trees and stopping the spread of invasive species. Fortunately, aerial spray is only one option. Other communities use traps, hand removal of eggs and spot control using insecticides. Could we work with residents and local organizations to apply these less invasive measures instead?

What you can do now …

Click here for what you can do now. Now is the time to speak up if you have concerns.