FAQ
Q: How much does tree spraying cost?
A: We charge based on the size of the tree canopy. Each property is different call for a free quote and bulk pricing.
Q: How do you control leaf eating worms?
A: We use a high pressure/high volume truck mounted spray system to reach the highest trees in Winnipeg. We use Btk to control caterpillars, its the safest and most effective eco-friendly control method available.
Q: What is Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk)?
A: Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) is a subspecies of a naturally-occurring bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis, commonly found in soil and plants. It is used as a biological insecticide to control crop-damaging moths.
Q: How does Btk work?
A: Btk affects only leaf-eating caterpillars. It has no effect on adult insects. Btk does not kill the insect on contact, but instead must be ingested to be effective. When ingested, proteins produced by Btk that are harmful to caterpillars damage their digestive systems, causing them to stop feeding and die. This effect is specific to the caterpillars. The digestive systems of humans and other mammals differ from caterpillars, and as a result, they are not harmed by the proteins.
Q: Can I continue to eat the food from my garden or fruits collected from my orchard after a Btk application? How long will Btk stay on my trees and lawn?
A: U.S. EPA has done a thorough evaluation of Btk and determined that it is safe to use on all types of food crops. Most Btk products are certified by the Organic Material Review Institute for use on organic crops, and can be used on food produce without restriction. Treated vegetables and fruits may be picked a few hours after spraying, and washed and consumed thereafter. On commercial farms, agricultural workers are permitted to re-enter fields four hours following Btk treatment, and crops can be harvested the same day they are treated. Btk applied on tree foliage is destroyed by sunlight and microbial activity within a few days.
Q: What are the potential human health effects associated with ground application of Btk?
A: Btk has been shown through scientific studies to have very low acute toxicity. If Btk gets on the skin, it may cause skin redness, rashes or irritation, but the likelihood is low. Btk can cause moderate eye irritation. If it gets into the eyes, flush with clean water for 20 minutes.
Q: If I am concerned about the ground application of Btk, what precautions should I take?
A: Btk works specifically on caterpillars, and health risks to humans are very low. However, if any individuals with known respiratory ailments or other health concerns wish to minimize their exposure, they may do so by staying indoors and keeping doors and windows closed during the ground application.
Q: Would humans or other animals be harmed if they accidentally ingested Btk?
A: Humans and other mammals have highly acidic environments in their stomachs that destroy Btk before it can cause infection. Because the Btk endotoxin requires extremely alkaline conditions to become active (such as those found in the guts of gypsy moths and other caterpillars). Btk does not affect animals with acidic stomach environments such as birds, fish, and mammals
Q: Are you insured?
A: Yes, we are a fully licensed and insured with liability insurance.
Q: What is EAB and what does it do to our trees?
A: EAB is an invasive pest introduced into North America from China. It feeds on and kills ash trees whether they are healthy or stressed. It is the larval stage of the beetle that kills the tree. The larvae feed on the tissue underneath the bark. The larval feeding girdles the tree, cutting off the flow of nutrients and water causing the tree to die.
Q: Does EAB attack all trees?
A. EAB attacks only ash trees of Fraxinus genus. All ash species are susceptible in varying degrees. Mountain ash is not an ash tree.
Q: Is the EAB beetle in Manitoba?
A: Yes, EAB has been detected in Winnipeg. Once detected, it cannot be eradicated. We are currently working with our partners to determine the extent of the spread within the city.
Q: I've noticed ash trees marked with a purple dot in my neighbourhood. What does that mean?
A: Ash trees marked with a purple dot have been scheduled for removal. All ash trees that are removed will be either chipped on site or disposed of at an approved disposal site to minimize the risk of the beetle being introduced into another area of the City. The planned removal of these trees and injection of select trees with an approved pesticide is an essential component of the City's Comprehensive EAB Response Strategy to slow the spread of EAB and the mortality of ash trees within the City of Winnipeg. Most ash trees on boulevards and in parks throughout the entire City will eventually be removed over a span of 10 years.
Q: I've noticed ash trees marked with a grey dot in my neighborhood. What does that mean?
A: Ash trees on boulevards and in parks that have been marked with a grey dot represent trees the City has selected as candidates for trunk injection to manage emerald ash borer. The pesticides used are approved by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and will be applied by licensed pesticide applicators. These trees are in good to excellent condition and have been selected based on a comprehensive set of criteria. Injections will have to be repeated on a two year cycle as long as the tree(s) meet the treatment criteria. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the products used, please check the Insect Control website or contact 311 for more information.
Q: What is the City doing about my private ash tree?
A: The City of Winnipeg will not treat or remove ash trees that are on private property. These trees are the responsibility of the property owner. Please note that injection treatments must be performed by a Manitoba Licensed Pesticide Applicator.
Q: What has the City done to prepare for EAB?
A: The City's Urban Forestry Branch has been preparing for EAB for over a decade by:
creating a public tree inventory and private ash tree inventory
initiating discussion within industry including working with the nursery industry to increase the diversity of nursery stock,
educating and training staff and industry,
monitoring for EAB in partnership with Trees Winnipeg and CFIA using green sticky prism traps,
establishing diversity guidelines for the City's reforestation program and new developments,
partnering with the Province of Manitoba and CFIA to develop a Manitoba EAB Preparedness Plan, and
removing ash species from its reforestation program.
Q: Do other places in Canada have EAB?
A: Yes, the beetle is currently in northwestern and southwestern Ontario, southern Quebec, and in 31 states in the United States, including Minnesota, and is now in Winnipeg.
Q: What can I do to prevent the spread of EAB?
A: You can help prevent the spread of EAB:
Don't move firewood,
Burn firewood where you buy it,
Plant a variety of tree species to increase diversity,
Learn how to identify an ash tree, and
Learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of EAB.
Q: What does EAB damage look like?
A: Signs of EAB include:
D-shaped exit holes in the bark,
excessive wood pecker feeding.
foliar feeding by the adult beetles during the summer, creating irregular notches in the leaves,
"S"-shaped larval tunnels underneath the bark (cannot be readily seen on the exterior of the tree),
presence of larvae underneath the bark, and
bark splitting where larval tunnels occur underneath the bark.
Trees infested with EAB may not show symptoms for two to four years upon initial infestation. Symptoms include:
general decline and dieback in the tree crown, and
suckering of shoots on the trunk of the tree.
Q: What does the emerald ash borer look like?
A: Adult beetles are metallic green, narrow, hairless and approximately 1.25 cm (1/2 inch) long and .3 cm (1/8 inch) wide. Mature larvae are approximately 2.4 cm (1 inch) long and creamy white. The body is flat, broad shaped and segmented.
Q: What should I do if I think my tree has EAB?
A: If you think you have found an emerald ash borer you should call us immediately and set up a consultation.