New Quebec road hazard? The slippery, fuzzy tent caterpillar – The Weather Network

“The ministry’s only option at the time was to spray the road,” said Transports Quebec spokesperson Nicole Gaulin. “It’s a little bit like winter, only thing is this is a little bit more particular.”

She says for now, the ministry has not been made aware of any other concerning areas on the highway but encourages motorists to report dangerous stretches.

Christian Bélisle calls it an “epidemic.”

“Last year, it was in Abitibi-Ouest. This year, the caterpillars seem to be more present in Rouyn-Noranda and Témiscamingue.… People have noticed.” said Bélisle, a forestry protection technician with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests.

The transport ministry says they have sprayed a stretch of the highway, but encourages people to report dangerous stretches. (Jean-François Perron/Radio-Canada)

Such infestations are cyclical, occurring about every 10 years. The influx in the insects will continue for the next two or three weeks, says Bélisle, until the species spin their cocoons and transform into moths.