Gypsy Moth Aerial Operation in Hamilton CANCELLED Today – Wednesday 29 October.

Unsuitable weather conditions mean the first aerial treatment against gypsy moth in Hamilton is CANCELLED today (Wed 29 Oct).

The operation was scheduled to get underway soon after first light but has been cancelled due to windy conditions.

Weather permitting the operation will get underway on the first day that weather permits. “It is disappointing not to have been able to get the operation underway,” said Robert Isbister, General Manager of the Gypsy Moth Programme.

“The weather will always have a pivotal role but we are hopeful that it will improve during the day to enable us to start on the operation tomorrow.

“In this kind of situation it is important people make use of the updates available online, via the 0800 number and on the radio, so they are fully informed about exactly what’s going on.”

The aerial operation is one way that MAF is combating the gypsy moth in Hamilton. The programme has been prepared by a team of experts based on information gathered from the male moth found in Hamilton in March of this year and from knowledge of how the pest behaves overseas.

Aerial application of Foray 48B was used successfully against the white spotted tussock moth in Auckland’s eastern suburbs between 1996 and 1997 and is currently proving to be effective against the painted apple moth in Auckland’s western suburbs.

The eight-operation campaign is scheduled to finish by mid-December.

MAF is also undertaking trapping, ground searching and treatment and vegetation control. This combination is considered the best way to successfully eradicate gypsy moth.

The public can find information about the progress of the campaign by listening to Classic Hits (98.6 FM), Newstalk ZB (1296 AM & 97 FM) and ZM 89.8 (89.8 FM) throughout the day.

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