'It's raining poop': Gypsy moth caterpillars infest largest forest left in southwestern Ontario
Gypsy moths are covering tens of thousands of trees in what is arguably the largest forested area west of London, Ont.
The 500 hectare (1,235 acre) Mosa / Skunk's Misery forest has been hit by a gypsy moth infestation for the second year in a row.
“It is a Carolinian forest that has endangered species of floral and wildlife,” states Ann Stalker, whose home is across from the impacted forest.
Stalker says the moths, which literally cover most of the trees on her own property, are “gross” and raining feces all over her property.
“It’s not raindrops. It’s gypsy moth caterpillar poop.”
CTV News London went inside the forest at numerous spots and caught the gypsy moths at their caterpillar stage on every single tree visited.
In some cases, the trees, especially maple and oak, are covered at the base.
Many others are stripped of leaves by the hungry caterpillars.
And therein lies the first concern.
Ann Stalker stands by a tree on her property impacted by the gypsy moth caterpillars in Southwest Middlesex, Ont., Friday, June 18, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
Ann Stalker stands by a tree on her property impacted by the gypsy moth caterpillars in Southwest Middlesex, Ont., Friday, June 18, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
Stalker fears many trees will not recover from being a buffet for bugs.
Donald Craig, a registered professional forester, sympathies with Stalker.
Just emerging from the forest for an interview he found the caterpillars had found a home on his truck.
“There’s probably some crawling around in my clothes,” he half-jokes.
Donald Craig, a registered professional forester, speaks in Southwest Middlesex, Ont. on Friday, June 18, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
Donald Craig, a registered professional forester, speaks in Southwest Middlesex, Ont. on Friday, June 18, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
While Craig agrees the infection is severe, he’s not convinced it won’t correct itself.
“As population increases, so do the parasite and disease issues, and it may collapse on its own. And we may have a better indication by the middle or end of August.”
It’s already too late to spray for this summer, but Stalker and her supporters want assurances the bugs will be bumped by an aerial spray next year.
She has the support of Southwest Middlesex council. It’s asked the county to prepare for a 2022 assault on the moths.
Deputy Mayor Marigay Wilkins says the $200,000 cost to spray the forest is far less than the impact of losing it. And she maintains, its disappearance is a real possibility.
“It’s an area I would hate to see lost. The old saying is you’ll never miss it 'til it's gone, and I really hope that doesn’t happen.”
Just a few trees, of hundreds stripped bare of leaves by the gypsy moth caterpillar, are seen in Southwest Middlesex, Ont., Friday, June 18, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
Just a few trees, of hundreds stripped bare of leaves by the gypsy moth caterpillar, are seen in Southwest Middlesex, Ont., Friday, June 18, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
Stalker naturally echoes the concern as she points to a few studies about potential human health reactions to the caterpillars. Several have shown it can cause rashes, similar to poison ivy.
Stalker contends both she and her husband have suffered from them.
Stalker and Wilkins are hopeful Middlesex County council will approve the 2022 spray plan at its July 13 meeting.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
In his new book 'As Long as You Need', hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.