April 10 public meeting on PWC plans to spray Bull Run Mountain area for canker worms

The Mosquito and Forest Pest Management Division of the Prince William County Department of Public Works will host a public meeting on Thursday, April 10 at 7 p.m. at the Evergreen Volunteer Fire Station located at 3510 James Madison Highway (US 15) in Haymarket.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the schedule and purpose for an aerial spraying to control fall cankerworms in the Bull Run Mountain area.

The fall cankerworm is a forest pest that can decimate trees by eating all the leaves, which can kill trees or make them susceptible to disease.

Certain areas near Bull Run Mountain will be sprayed based on findings from surveys that indicate fall cankerworm populations are high in those areas. Owners in the proposed spray area have been notified by letter. The spray program is voluntary and will likely occur in late April or early May.

To find out more details about the planned spray, how to request that property not be sprayed, and a map depicting the areas to be sprayed, visit http://www.pwcgov.org/gypsymothmosquito or call 703-792-6279. Residents can also call 703-792-4636, press 4 and then 1 for details on the exact spray dates.