Winnipeg preparing to spray for pest caterpillars

Tree pest caterpillars are shown in an undated file image.

It’s that time of year again in Winnipeg – tree pest caterpillar season.

The city announced Thursday it plans on starting its annual spray program next week to kill off the creepy crawly insect.

Starting Monday night, weather permitting, crews will spray trees in Munroe West, Rossmere B, Jefferson, Kildonan Park and Seven Oaks.

Crews will spray neighbourhoods as needed over the next four weeks.

“We treat boulevards, city parks and cemeteries where tree pest caterpillars are plentiful and where we’ve noticed them starting to defoliate trees. We will decide on locations based on daily inspections by ground surveillance crews,” the city said in a news release.

The spray the city uses gets sprayed directly onto the leaves of trees. The caterpillars will eat the leaves, then stop feeding and die around three days later.

Winnipeggers can request buffer zones around their properties, which would prevent any spraying within 30 metres.

To do so, residents can complete an online service request, email or fax 311, write a letter to the Insect Control Branch, or go in person at 1539 Waverley St.

The city needs a minimum of 72 hours’ advanced notice for buffer zones.

More information can be found on the city’s website.