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The Banner/The Era, Thursday, June 28, 2012
Asian long-horned beetle likely eradicated in region From page A1.
and their brethren, such as the common fly, have different life cycles. Low snow cover and subsequent minimal run off and dry spells mean the moisture and standing water in which they breed is low. While the region’s environmental services department doesn’t monitor mosquitoes and flies, it’s safe to say their populations may be diminished their year, he said. The battle is squarely against the emerald ash borer, Mr. Buchanan said. The Asian long-horned beetle is well controlled as a result of a campaign against the species, which was accidentally introduced to North America and first discovered in 1996. This beetle is believed to have spread from Asia in solid wood packaging material.
The region, working in tandem with federal agencies, including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, has likely successfully eradicated the beetle. The test of its elimination is a five-year monitoring program, ending in 2013, during which none are discovered. The region also has an emerald ash borer management program in place, Mr. Buchanan said. “You can’t stop it, but that doesn’t mean you run away,” he said. “We’re doing our best to control the spread.” Still, it’s a worry, considering about 10 to 15 per cent of our regional forest is ash trees. Ever the scientist, Mr. Buchanan takes the emerald ash borer in stride. “The borer is the latest in a long line of threats to the forest,” he said. “There’s always something around the corner. That’s the natural order of things.”
4For more information on vector-borne diseases, personal protection, reporting stagnant water or any other public health related topic, call York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or visit york. ca/westnile York Region began vector-borne disease program activities in May, focusing on West Nile virus and Lyme disease surveillance, education and mosquito control. Vector-borne diseases are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected vector organism, such as a mosquito or tick. In 2011, four mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile virus, medical officer of health Dr. Karim Kurji said. Continued emphasis on awareness, sur-
Dry weather may keep mosquito populations low. veillance, self-protection and larviciding activities will ensure the risk and impact to York Region residents remains low, he added.
Lowdown on pests
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Given our wacky winter weather, Royal Ontario Museum entomologists have fielded numerous enquiries about whether or not mild temperatures will result in more bugs this spring and summer. Unfortunately, there is no simple yes or no answer, entomology technician Antonia Guidotti said on the museum’s website. Her best response is,“It depends”. There are many variables affecting insect population size, including humidity and moisture, habitat suitability and food resources. What may be good for one species is not necessarily good for another and natural variation in population size occurs from year to year in most species. The museum has created a bug lineup and how species are expected to be impacted this year.
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4Black flies: According to museum entomology curator Dr. Doug Currie, the first black flies come out when trees begin to bud. Winter temperatures have little impact on black fly numbers, as most overwinter as eggs in stream beds. But if ice breakup occurs earlier than normal, the season is also likely to begin sooner. In terms of numbers, the reduced snowpack and lack of rain mean fewer eggs are likely to survive. As a result, there will be fewer adults on the wing and it’s likely the species will disappear long before cottagers begin their late spring or early summer vacations. 4Mosquitoes: People were swatting mosquitoes
early. Certain species overwinter as adults, which hibernate in protected spaces. These are the ones that come out earliest in the spring. However, most Ontario species lay winter-hardy eggs that hatch when conditions are right, typically after snowmelt. Given that mosquitoes breed in variously-sized pools of standing water, the lack of snow and dearth of early-season rain means conditions are less than ideal for these later-emerging populations. Of course, all of this could change, should we experience a period of extended heavy rainfall. Mosquitoes are on the wing from early spring until late fall and many species have multiple generations per year. The upshot is spring weather only affects the overwintering stages of mosquitoes and perhaps the first generation or so. 4Ticks: The black-legged deer ticks that carry Lyme disease are found in many places in Ontario. They have a greater survival rate with enhanced moisture conditions in late spring. 4Grasshoppers: A warm, dry winter enhances the survival of grasshopper eggs. We may see more of them this year. A possible increase in pests could be balanced by an increase in some of their predators. Perhaps more wasps that are insect predators and bee queens survived the winter. A mild winter has no impact on indoor arthropods, since temperature is pretty constant indoors year round.
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