By Tyler Marr

Tent caterpillars hatching around town

May 28, 2017 | 9:48 AM

As people make their way outside to enjoy the warm weather this summer, they may have a few unwelcome guests.

Once again, forest tent caterpillars have emerged in several areas of the city. 

Thankfully, the recent bout of cool weather has dampened the speed at which the caterpillars spread. But with several hot dry days in the forecast, the pests will begin to increase their feeding habits in the coming weeks and spread.

According to acting Parks Manager Bob Gill, it is “just a matter of just being patient.” 

The city will not be spraying for the invaders this year, as they are a nuisance pest, much like ticks and mosquitos.

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“We [will let] mother nature do her work. She has dealt with them before and she will continue to do so,” he said. “Right now, they are only around for these two to three weeks as a nuisance and we just don’t have the resource to spray the entire city.”

The outbreak cycles typically last between three and seven years. Gills said the city is about halfway through the cycle and should have reached the end of the peak.

Despite some defoliating, the caterpillars pose no permanent damage to city trees or danger to the public.

Gill said areas that were hit heavy in 2016 are expected to be a boon for the creatures again, as they would have laid their eggs at these sites.

Nonetheless, one can combat the problem. 

Gill said the traditional spray-and-squish method is the best way to fight the pests, alongside simply spraying the caterpillars with water or soapy water to wash them away.

BT pesticide can be used too. This spray targets the caterpillars through ingestion. Though safe for most insects, it may also kill important moths and butterflies.

The caterpillar count is expected to increase in the coming weeks and begin to dwindle by mid-July.

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr