Forest Health Monitoring
Actively Managed Defoliators in BC
Defoliating insects can be beneficial or harmful to the health and productivity of forests. These insects feed on the needles or leaves from coniferous and deciduous trees and although they are an integral part of all ecosystems, they are considered significant forest pests. Early detection and identification are critical initial steps in managing forest defoliators. We provide defoliation monitoring services in the South Coast Region TSAs by estimating future defoliation and tracking population trends over time.
Western Spruce Budworm (WSBW or IDW) Sampling
Western spruce budworm is an important native defoliator of interior Douglas-fir. This insect periodically reaches outbreak levels that can last up to 25 years. Repeated budworm defoliation causes tree mortality over large areas, reduction of growth rates and reduced lumber quality. A peak outbreak in 1987 affected approximately 800,000ha of forest located in the southern interior of BC. Populations are monitored by collecting egg mass samples from selected forest stands. Aerial spray programs have been conducted to reduce defoliation and manage outbreaks.
Western Hemlock Looper (WHL or IDL) Trapping
The western hemlock looper is a native defoliator of western hemlock, western redcedar, Douglas-fir and interior spruce. This insect periodically reaches outbreak levels, causing severe damage and mortality to forest stands. Loss of valuable timber, increased fire danger risks, and loss of important wildlife habitat can result from western hemlock looper outbreaks. Populations are monitored by trapping and data is collected and analyzed to predict potential outbreaks and initiate appropriate management strategies.