Gypsy moth infestation feared -- Town takes action Residents urged to do their part Oakville will begin treating select municipal oak trees this month to protect them against gypsy moth infestations. The Town's forestry services will oversee injections of Town-owned oaks in Winston Woods Park to curb tree damage caused by the insect feeding on the leaves. According to a recent Town study, Oakville and surrounding municipalities are at the onset of a potential outbreak of the pest. Based on the multi-year cycle gypsy moth populations historically follow, the current cycle is expected to peak within one to three years. Of the town's woodlands, developed parks, and streets surveyed, Winston Woods Park was found to be the one property at most risk of defoliation this year. "There are no precautions that residents living in this area need to take for this operation," said John McNeil, manager of Forestry Services. "The Town is injecting trees with the bioinsecticide TreeAzin, formulated with the extract from the neem tree. It's the same product we use to treat the town's ash trees against the emerald ash borer." Health Canada has approved the treatment to control emerald ash borer, gypsy moth, tent caterpillar, spruce budworm, Jack Pine budworm, arborvitae leaf miner, sawflies, including birch leaf miner, and pine false webworm. European gypsy moth (lymantria dispar) is an invasive pest from Europe and Asia that primarily feeds on leaves of deciduous hardwood trees during the caterpillar (larval) stage. With a preference for oak trees, a gypsy moth caterpillar can eat an average of one square metre of foliage during the larval stage. Severe infestations often lead to the death of an infested tree. Residents with oak trees on their property are advised to have them inspected by a certified arborist this year for possible control measures. For more information, visit oakville.ca. 7 | Wednesday, May 15, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The gypsy moth in its larval or caterpillar stage. The insects represent a danger to oak trees. photo courtesy Town of Oakville The Perfect Dream Kitchen Ope n We E x t e n d / Th d u r s ue d H o u r ntil 8 s pm. NEW ! Should be a Reflection of You. 4265 Fairview Street, Burlington 905.634.9556 (between Walkers & Appleby Line) Other Showrooms: 140 Hester Street, Hamilton 905.667.4710 Applewood Village Plaza, 1077 North Service Road, Mississauga 905.275.9556 emeraldkitchens .ca 25 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE At Rotherglen, our vision remains as true today as it did 25 years ago Engaged Minds, Inspired Hearts, Purposeful Lives. A Rotherglen education places student learning at the centre of our activities, programs and curriculum.Through academics, arts, athletics, extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities and character education we address all aspects of our students' growth and development. Rotherglen's highly dedicated and well qualified teachers provide differentiated teaching and learning experiences designed to embrace each student's unique learning style. Our goal at Rotherglen is to inspire our students, instill the love of learning, and provide the foundation for success. Oakville Primary Campus Montessori: Ages 3 - 5 to Grade 1 2045 Sixth Line, Oakville, ON 905-338-3528 mrowles@rotherglen.com EDUCATION Oakville Elementary Campus Grade 1- 8 2050 Neyagawa Blvd, Oakville, ON 905-849-1897 tdupreez@rotherglen.com Discover the Rotherglen difference. Contact us for a personal tour and appointment. Seeing is believing! www.rotherglen.com