Aerial spraying begins against gypsy moths

An aerial attack on the European gypsy moth in Winnipeg has begun after a week of weather-related delays.

Crews are usinga low-flying aircraft to spray Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (BTK), an "organic, biological control product," according to the city.

The moths, which have established themselves in the St. Vital area, are an invasive species and can devastate trees.

St. Vital Park hasa large native oak tree population.

The aerial treatment take place between 5 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. CT in the park and in parts of the Minnetonka and Pulberry neighbourhoods, according to the city.

Planes will administer two more treatments sometime between mid-May and late June.