Below is a list of questions that we have compiled from people who are asking about the light brown apple moth, the spraying program and its impacts as well as the larger macro agricultural issues around this pest. We will be adding questions and seeking answers and opinions as the weeks progress. Please keep checking back as we fill this section out with information and links.
Concerns raised by the aerial spraying of CheckMate LBAM-F:
How much of an “agricultural emergency” is this? What would happen if we waited 6 more months and/or at least until the environmental impact report is completed? Would the moth population explode?
How have they chosen the areas that are to be sprayed? Why over urban areas and not over farm land? How much CheckMate do they plan to spray on the city?
Why is the “programmatic environmental impact report” not being finished before the spraying is scheduled to commence on August 1? When is it scheduled to be completed? How many aerial spraying events will occur? How much does this aerial spraying cost and who pays for it?
What if, after the moth is “eradicated” it is reintroduced? How will success of the aerial spraying be measures?
How do other areas/countries (New Zealand, New Caledonia, Hawaii) control the LBAM? What have the impacts of the LBAM been upon their agricultural economies?
What are the alternatives to aerial spraying? Is it possible to manufacture and distribute a lot of the “twist ties” (with the pheromone) to disrupt the reproductive cycle?
CheckMate includes poly vinyl alcohol which has been shown to cause tumors. What other inert and biodegradable ingredients does Checkmate include and how do they interact when they are mixed together and sprayed?
Will the spray increase cancer rates in humans in the long-term?
What are the possible short-term and long-term health effects of CheckMate? What would be the effects of 5 years of spraying cumulatively?
How will this impact other insects (butterflies, moths, honeybees) important pollinator and members of the food chain? Will it affect other insects, animals or humans reproductive systems?
What will the effect of the aerial spraying of CheckMate have on water quality and our watersheds?
How often will spraying occur, in what quantity and how will this spraying affect personal organic gardens?
How will inhabitants be notified when spraying is to occur?
How will the spraying affect our citizens (i.e. people with asthma, emphysema, HIV, the elderly, children who play in public and private gardens, pets, the homeless, people in prison or in hospitals who cannot leave the city when the spraying occurs, etc.)?
If they do spray will there be a way for people to report reactions to the spray and receive treatment? (There was not any way to do this in Monterey/Santa Cruz when they sprayed last year).
Have there been any studies regarding possible health costs?
CheckMate is designed to disrupt female hormones. How will hormones be disrupted in other insects, amphibians, animals, humans)? Will it affect people negatively who are trying to conceive? Who are breastfeeding? Who are attempting to attract a mate?
Is there an alternative plan if Checkmate is sprayed and it does not work?
Concerns if aerial spraying of CheckMate does not occur:
What are the longterm impacts on small farmers and agribusiness on the whole if the spraying does not happen?
What sustainable options are available for controlling or eradicating the moth for small scale farmers?
How do organic farmers feel about the spraying? Would this spraying impact their organic status? IF so, for how long?
If we do not spray with CheckMate now, will this mean farmers and individuals will have to spray more pesticide in an unregulated manner to combat the moths on their farms and on their land?
Could California’s produce be quarantined/boycotted by the rest of the US if the LBAM population takes off?
Forum on KQED with host Michael Krasny
Forum discusses the proposal to begin an aerial spraying program over the Bay Area to eradicate the light brown apple moth, which officials say could decimate the state's agricultural crops, with advocates and critics. Listen to the MP3 here.
Inhabitants of the urban areas where the spraying is to occur have concerns. Here is one highlight from youtube addressing these questions.
We'd love to hear from you via email about this issue.
Interviews Farmers, scientists, local environmental groups, and pesticide management organizations share their information and opinions.
The FruitGuys address LBAM: