Natural Resources
April 12, 2010

The Provincial Government has identified the potential of an infestation of hemlock looper on the Baie Verte Peninsula this year and is investigating methods for controlling, to the extent possible, the damage to forests that can be caused by the insect.

"The department has identified 23,000 hectares of forests on the Baie Verte Peninsula that could be impacted by the infestation, with a portion of that falling within municipal boundaries," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "Given the mild winter, the probability of an insect infestation is high and we are in the process of verifying other areas of the province that could also encounter hemlock looper this year."

The department is looking at the necessity of treating the Baie Verte, Seal Cove and Westport areas from the air and is pursuing the appropriate licences and permits required by the Department of Environment and Conservation for an aerial control program in July.

Hemlock looper can kill healthy trees within two seasons, resulting in an increased risk of forest fire and negatively impacting forest habitat and domestic and commercial harvesting operations. Hemlock looper feed on mature balsam fir trees and surface in late June and July. Balsam fir is used extensively for pulp and lumber.

One of the most effective treatments is to aerially spray the infested area with the proven and effective biological insecticide Btk. Btk has been registered for use in Canada since 1977 and is used extensively by the agriculture industry in combating pests. Btk is a naturally-occurring substance and only affects specific caterpillar-type insects with alkaline stomachs. It does not affect birds or mammals, and does not adversely impact water.

The department has also identified the Northern Peninsula, particularly the Sop's Arm and Main River areas, and White's River as also being potentially impacted by an infestation of hemlock looper this year. Officials are in the process of collecting additional information to assist in targeting insect control activities.