Moose Mountain Provincial Park and the Village of Kenosee Lake are taking precautions against the invasion of the forest tent caterpillar. 

Joan Adams, Parks Manager at the Moose Mountain Provincial Park, explains that the park and village had an aerial application of Bacillus thuringiensis (BTK) in order to keep the bugs at bay.

"They did the whole park and the village on Friday."

She adds that BTK is a bacteria, not a chemical.

"It's absolutely not a chemical. We don't allow chemicals to be sprayed in the park. And it has no effect on anything but the caterpillars, so even if a bird comes and eats the caterpillar, it wouldn't affect the birds. It doesn't affect humans or pets or wildlife."

And the spray has seemed to work so far. 

"We were told to expect a moderate to severe infestation but the spray from all accounts, has really helped to knock the numbers down. It's not going to get them all and we've been told that it's a one to three year cycle and last year was the first year that we've ever had tent caterpillars in the park."

"We still have some but I was just in the campground and it's actually looking pretty good in there."

She adds that campers can also prepare for the caterpillars as well. 

"If campers are going to come, there lots of homemade applications like oil or water mixed with a little soap. If they want to bring a spray bottle when they are in their campsite and they see some, go ahead and spray them just like you would at your residence or at your cottage."