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Douglas-fir Tussock Moth
The Douglas-fir Tussock Moth is a native insect in the low-lying, dry belt regions of southern BC. Tussock moth outbreaks usually occur every 10 to 12 years. Outbreaks of Tussock Moth typically last for four years and cause significant damage and mortality to Douglas-fir trees in these areas. Tussock moths are covered in thousands of tiny hairs which may cause an allergic reaction called tussockosis in about 20% of people and animals, with symptoms ranging from general itchiness, watery eyes and skin rashes to anaphylaxis in extreme cases.
A large population of Moths existed in Kelowna in 2010; however, as a result of a spray program, the number of Tussock Moths has decreased and they do not pose a significant risk to Douglas-fir trees in the area. The City will continue to monitor the population size to help protect our urban forest.
Kelowna’s At-risk Urban Forest
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Photo by Donald Owen
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The most common tree in Kelowna is the Douglas-fir, comprising of 33% of the entire tree canopy. The Douglas-fir Tussock Moth, once hatched in late May or early June, feeds voraciously on the needles of the fir trees, stripping them entirely and eventually killing a significant number of trees.
The next common tree species is the Ponderosa Pine at 24%, which is already at-risk because of the pine beetle. Additional threats to our trees like the Tussock-moth could significantly reduce our already low urban tree canopy at 13% (recommended percentage for dry cities in western North America is 25%).
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