To the decision makers of our region,
I have concerns and questions regarding the scheduled aerial pesticide spraying of residential areas around B.C. to eradicate the invasive spongy moth.
My first concern is the risks it poses to residents and other organisms. While it is important that we manage invasive species, it is equally or more important to regard the overall health of our communities. The publications of these sprays suggest that residents stay indoors until the spraying is complete and up to an hour afterward. Many students and staff walk to school during these morning hours, as well as residents cycling to work. We also have large homeless populations that do not have an option to go indoors at any given moment. There are also pets and other animals outdoors that cannot be protected at that time. While the exact ingredients of this pesticide are known to government, according to publications, this information is not accessible to the public.
My next concern is the residue of said pesticide application. In Cranbrook, the sprayed area includes schools, dog parks, fields, daycare backyards, playgrounds, and other structures that are frequently used by young children – young children that do not always remember to wash their hands or keep them out of their mouths. What’s more is that it also includes many backyard and community gardens that have strived to create organic, safe food to share and consume. According to publications, this spray, once dried, remains on surfaces for larvae to ingest, meaning it will also get on any living bodies that come into contact with it; according to publications, symptoms experienced have been asthma attacks, eye irritation, skin reactions, difficulty concentrating, and more.
My next concern is the populations of butterflies, pollinators, and other insects that will not be able to avoid this pesticide, and will likely also be killed. Foray 48B is banned in other countries, but not yet Canada, so it will also eradicate our butterfly populations, potentially bees, and other important insects.
My next concern would be the chemical make-up of this spray. How flammable is it? How long after the application is the residue flammable? Given that B.C. is in its season of worst and largest wildfires ever, surely it cannot make our communities safer to spray a chemical pesticide over residential areas? I worry about the future combustibility of our towns.
My biggest question is: what all was tried before making the decision to spray pesticide over residential areas? Surely, spot-spraying was tried where moth populations were found? Surely, local groups were contacted to help in the maintenance of this issue? Surely, residents were called to volunteer to hand-collect eggs/larvae? Surely more was tried before deciding that the “quick and dirty” was the best course of action. Perhaps it is the fastest way. Perhaps it is cost-effective. But for the overall health of the environment (which includes every living thing and water sources), it absolutely cannot be the best option.
I look forward to your answers to these questions, should you make the effort to do so. More importantly, I look forward to you implementing the aforementioned methods before dousing us all in pesticides against our will. You represent the people, lest you forget.
Sincerely,
Nadine Rake
Sources:
https://www.calltoactioncranbrook.com/
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024FOR0018-000573
www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/forestry/forest-health/forest-health-docs/gypsy-moth-docs/btk_health_surveillance_report_1999_btk.pdf
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12658313/
The Zero Journey 
Well written letter, Nadine, with some valid questions. Each year we manage the leaf roller infestation by hand squeezing them.
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Thank you, Sharon. Yes, we do too, at our house at least. Wish they would consider alternatives before going straight to spray with these issues..
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