Aerial spraying to control spruce budworm infestations in selected areas of the Provincial Forest is underway. The Ministry of Environment will treat approximately 20,000 hectares of forest land in the Hudson Bay area of northeastern Saskatchewan. The biological pesticide, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), a naturally-occurring soil bacterium, is being used. Btk only kills certain types of caterpillars, including budworm.
Btk has been safely used around the world for more than 40 years. It is not harmful to other insects (including bees), fish, birds or wildlife and poses no human health hazard. Btk does not build up in the environment, surviving only a few days after application if it is not eaten by the target insect, the budworm. Results of the program are monitored.
"The spruce budworm is a natural part of Saskatchewan's forest ecosystem but high populations can damage valuable timber resources," Environment Minister Dustin Duncan said.
