Gypsy Moth impacts

Impacts of Gypsy Moth infestation

At outbreak levels, hundreds of trees could be lost representing significant environmental and financial costs to the City and property owners. The environmental and health benefits of trees in an urban environment are well known and include improved air and water quality, mitigation of heat island effects, provision of shade and protection against harmful ultra violet sunlight, as well as reduced carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Some of the potential impacts of Gypsy Moth infestation are outlined below.

Environmental

• Reduced tree vigour
• Tree crown dieback and mortality
• Reduced shade, dry soils
• Effects on air quality, sound reduction, heat sink effects, etc.
• Increased pesticide contamination (uncontrolled)

Human Health

• Allergic reactions to hairs, wing scales including rashes and skin irritations, respiratory tract irritations, eye irritations
• Psychological reactions
• Hazard trees - dead branches and trees
• Increased exposure to pesticides

Economic Impacts - Costs to Property Owners

• Pesticide treatments privately undertaken
• Cleanup of insect body parts
• Pruning dead branches; dead tree removal and replacement

Economic Impacts - Costs to the Municipality

• Increased tree inspections
• Tree pruning and maintenance
• Tree removal and replacement
• Reduced use of infested parklands and recreational facilities

Protecting the urban forest from the defoliation caused by the gypsy moth aligns with one of the four priorities of the Public Works Strategic Plan in being the leader in the greening and stewardship of the City.