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CUFCA Applauds Decision not to Spray BC Communities with Pesticides for Spongy Moth in 2025

CUFCA Victoria, BC — February 5, 2025

For decades, the province of British Columbia has conducted aerial and ground pesticide spraying (Foray 48B) to combat the spongy moth (formerly known as the gypsy moth) including spraying over schools, hospitals, daycares, and waterways. Since the 1980s, communities across BC have reported adverse effects and have worked to put an end to this practice. Spraying pesticides over urban areas contradicts international best practices.

In recent years, Communities United for Clean Air (CUFCA)—a grassroots organization which began in Victoria, BC—has been raising awareness about aerial pesticide spraying and advocating for an end to this practice. CUFCA has worked with local concerned citizens including organic farmers, the immune compromised, elderly, and parents of young children. They have also collaborated with expert scientists internationally who warn of the dangers of these practices. One of these, Dr. P. Granum from Norway– is one of the most published authors in the field of the main bacterial ingredient in Foray 48B. CUFCA has also united with local movements across the province to push for change and protect public health and the environment:

“We are relieved to learn there will be no aerial spraying for spongy moths over our island home this year. After last spring’s spraying, there was a shocking decline in the number of moths and butterflies in our gardens, meadows and forests. We have deep concerns about the short and long term effects of the aerial spray program and urge the government to take actions that support, rather than hinder, the regenerative power of the natural world.” 

Pesticide-Free Salt Spring

“Our community was severely traumatized by these aerial sprays, and we don’t want other communities to go through what we did and be exposed to the BTK bacteria. It’s imperative that we address the implications of these practices to protect our environment and public health,” 

Call to Action Cranbrook

“This cancellation allows us to work collaboratively with communities to educate them about the hazards of being aerially sprayed, to push WorkSafe BC to implement aerial pesticide regulations, make presentations to school boards, and work with farmers to investigate soil contamination and effects on seedlings,” 

West Kelowna Branch of the Kelowna Citizens Safety Association

CUFCA and its members welcome the recent announcement that BC will not be subject to urban aerial spraying for 2025. This marks the first time since 2016 that the province of BC has not been sprayed yearly with Foray 48B for the moth—an important step toward safeguarding air quality, human health, wildlife, and the broader ecosystem.

CUFCA  remains committed to ensuring that this practice is permanently discontinued and that awareness continues to grow around all pesticide and herbicide use in BC.

For more information or to join CUFCA, please email communitiesunitedforcleanair@gmail.com.