![Gypsy moth egg masses.
(Photo labeled for reuse on Google courtesy of https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]](https://media.mynewstoday.ca/i/Wq6zEYq2/355)
Thousands of people have signed petitions asking their governments to address intensifying Gypsy Moth infestations in many parts of Ontario.
Petitions are being launched on Change.org from various regions of the province including Guelph and Erin.
The petitions plead with municipal and provincial officials to spray insecticide to protect Ontario's trees from the Gypsy Moth infestation. The caterpillars defoliate the trees, which can kill the tree.
Gypsy Moth issues are also reported in Stratford, Barrie, Caledon, York Region, Mulmur and Vaughn. Hamilton, Waterloo Region and Halton Region.
One petition organizer, Jennifer Grenier, says many people are facing rashes and severe reactions after coming into contact with them, as well as respiratory reactions when the tiny hairs that can float through the wind are inhaled.
The cities of of Sarnia and London have sprayed BTK to control the pest.
