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August 15- August 22,2004 |
Hunting the Beetle
Vaughan joins other cities in fight against destructive Asian bug
By Francesco Riondino
Originally Published: 2004-07-18
The fight against the Asian Long-Horned Beetle continues relentlessly. Despite some important results, this pest still poses real danger for trees in Toronto and Ontario.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, in collaboration with the Government of Ontario and the Cities of Toronto and Vaughan, has already cut down over 15,000 trees severely infested by the dangerous insect. The agency thinks that all individuals have been killed off, but certainty will only come in the spring of 2006, two years after the last finding.
For the moment, all the rules and measures introduced for containing the infestation remain in force.
As a way of ensuring that all the pests have been killed, the CFIA is now launching a plan for disseminating hundreds of traps that everybody hopes will turn up empty. "These are based on small maple trees, of a species particularly liked by this beetle," explained Howard Stanley, CFIA spokesperson. "Around the trees and in their vicinity we are placing plastic traps for the insects. These traps will mainly go on private properties whose owners have decided to adhere to our programme. We invite everybody to leave the traps alone, because they are extremely important to assess our success in defeating these pests."
In the meantime, in the area bounded by Hwy 427/27, Rutherford Rd., Dufferin St., and Hwy 401, yard waste and fallen trees are being monitored. Municipal waste as well as those collected by gardening companies, in fact, are brought to specific areas where huge shredders pulverize the wood, ensuring destruction of any insects or larvae.
The panorama at one of these locations, Emeri Yard on Finch Ave., is quite desolate: this is where the 15,000 trees have been reduced to sawdust that is now piled in several 30-foot mounds. The sight is enough to send a clear message about the potential danger of this infestation.
CFIA experts invite all residents to stay on guard. "We must keep our eyes open," continued Howard Stanley. "If you notice small cuts on a tree, that may be a sign that a beetle deposed some eggs. You must call toll free 1.800.442.2342, and our experts will come and check it out."
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