TORONTO: Aerial spraying will take place in May or June 2022. Caterpillar development, leaf size and weather conditions will determine the exact spray dates. Check the Interactive Treatment Map to find out if your neighbourhood is in a spray zone.
The LDD Moth (Lymantria dispar dispar), formerly known as European Gypsy Moth, is a non-native defoliating insect that feeds on a variety of tree species found in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and throughout North America.
The City of Toronto’s management program focuses on controlling outbreak levels of LDD moth in areas with trees that are at risk of defoliation, typically oak dominant communities. Since LDD moth is firmly established in Toronto and North America, the complete removal of these insects is no longer a possibility.
Wearing long-sleeve shirts and protective equipment such as gloves and face masks or face coverings will help to minimize exposure to LDD Moth hairs, silken threads, and shed skins, which can cause skin rashes and upper respiratory tract irritation in some people.
Toronto residents are encouraged to report any sightings of LDD Moth. The input from residents reporting the presence of this insect is important in coordinating monitoring efforts across the City. 311 can assist residents with submitting a report using the reporting tool. When calling 311, please be prepared to give the exact address of the LDD moth sighting to submit a report through the tool.
City staff will use the information collected to determine the level of the infestation in specific areas by conducting egg mass surveys during the fall and winter seasons. Carefully survey your property for egg masses and scrape them off surfaces into soapy water to destroy them.