Biting Insect Control Program
The Town works in cooperation with GDG Environment to deliver the annual biting insect control program. GDG Environment is contracted by the Town to biologically control mosquitoes and black flies. The biopesticide utilized (Bti) is selective for the larvae of mosquitoes and black flies only and does not affect other organisms such as fish, amphibians, birds and mammals. Annually, the Town advises residents of its aerial and land treatment for the control of these biting insects. GDG Environment performs the work aerially as well as manually by treating flooded woodlands throughout the summer months. The program is regulated by the Province of New Brunswick and is monitored by GDG Environment throughout the year. This program enhances the quality of life for our residents and increases family, outdoor, leisure, recreation and tourism activities.
To find out more about the biting insect biological control program, what product is used for the treatments and what its impact is on the environment, visit www.gdg.ca, or you may call the Mosquito Line at 1-844-840-8700.
Emerald Ash Borer
The Town of Oromocto has been working very closely with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the University of New Brunswick to address the confirmation of the Emerald Ash Borer in the area.
The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a highly destructive invasive beetle which attacks and kills all species of ash, but not mountain ash, which, in spite of its name, is a completely different species of tree. The emerald ash borer has already killed millions of trees in North America. In 2019, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed the presence of the beetle in various areas in New Brunswick, including the Town of Oromocto.
The Town of Oromocto Partners With UNB
The Town of Oromocto and the UNB Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Management have partnered to conduct a tree inventory in the Town of Oromocto. A tree inventory is an activity conducted to create a database of the Town's existing trees, including the approximate age, health and species. This tree inventory will help the Town plan and ensure a healthy urban forest for today and the future. This is particularly important given the confirmation of Emerald Ash Borer in the area. Information from the tree inventory will be used to ID unsafe trees, trees of high value for potential treatment and a long-term planting plan. Generally, citizens will be responsible for trees on their land, and the Town will be responsible for coordinating the response for public lands.
The Town will also likely be required to:
- Remove/destroy infested trees as recommended by experts.
- Dispose of the removed trees in a manner consistent with CFIA regulations and best practices (chipping/burn etc).
- Establish a disposal site for trees on private land to be brought to for disposal, as per above.
- Identify high-value trees for treatment.
For those citizens who want to report an infested tree or unsafe tree, please call 357-4409, and we will note the address and location and provide that information to the Town Engineer.
Benefits of Grasscycling
Grasscycling or mulching is the natural practice of recycling grass clippings by leaving them on the lawn when mowing. Once cut, the clippings will quickly dry out and decay, naturally releasing valuable nutrients back into the soil for a healthier lawn. This process promotes a healthier and deeper root system and increases grass resistance to drought and disease.
- Grasscycling is a simple and easy way to get involved in reducing waste that benefits the environment and saves time because it eliminates the bagging and dragging of clippings to the Works Department or the Fredericton Regional Solid Waste Commission.
- Grasscycling not only benefits the environment, but it also improves lawn health and quality.
- The grass clippings act as a water-saving layer, keeping moisture in the soil and reducing the amount of water needed.
- Grass clippings are a free and renewable resource that benefits your lawn by naturally providing nutrients that fertilize grasses.
- Eliminates the need to collect grass clippings / empty lawn mower bags.
- No need to buy the special compostable bags required for pickup in the annual yard waste program.
- Reduces transportation costs and resources required to collect waste.
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