Helpful Hints about the Aerial Spray Program
WHEN WILL MY AREA BE SPRAYED?
Spraying will begin in early May, 2009. Operations will begin in South West Monmouth County and move Eastward. In the beginning the program depends on the leaf break on trees, so the spray material will hold in place for the caterpillars to ingest. Most applications will be done early in the morning from 5 - 5:30 a.m., until treatment schedule has been met for that day.
IS BT HARMFUL TO PEOPLE OR PETS?
BT is a naturally occurring bacterium commonly found in soil. BT is toxic only to susceptible caterpillars, moths and butterflies. BT has an excellent safety record. It is not toxic to other insects, birds, fish, livestock, or pets, including healthy humans. It can be applied over water without endangering aquatic life.
BT will not adversely affect livestock if they are sprayed, come in contact with, or eat treated grasses or foliage. However, livestock, particularly horses, may be startled by noise and presence of low flying helicopters, possibly resulting in injury. All precautions will be taken to minimize impacts on livestock during each spray application. We recommend that you take steps to consider the safety of your animals - which may include confining your animals in a secure area prior to, and during, each application. Each application should take no more than two hours to complete unless weather or other operational factors intervene. If you have special concerns about livestock, please contact Monmouth County Shade Tree Commission at (732) 431-7903 ahead of time.
WHAT SHOULD I DO DURING THE SPRAYING?
Even though the spray is considered safe for humans, we recommend that the people stay indoors during spraying, unless it is essential to be outdoors. Safety crews will be working in each spray block while the aircraft is spraying.
TO AVOID EXPOSURE WE RECOMMEND:
1. Staying indoors during and for at least 30 minutes after spraying to allow droplets to settle.
2. Waiting until the spray has dried before touching grass or shrubs. Cover or remove playground equipment, sandboxes, benches and lawn furniture before the spraying or hose them off afterward.
3. Washing exposed skin with soap and water if direct contact with spray droplets occurs. If the material should get into your eyes, flush with water for 15 minutes.
MY AUTOMOBILE WAS SPRAYED. WILL BT CAUSE DAMAGE TO MY CAR FINISHES?
There is nothing in BT that will cause damage to automobile finishes, windows, buildings, play equipment or lawn furniture. Spray residue is easiest to remove from any surface before its completely dry. Once dry, it is important to “re-wet” the droplets by soaking them with water. For cars, use a car wash detergent.
If you have further questions, please call the Monmouth County Shade Tree Commission at
(732) 431-7903.