It is the news we have anticipated but secretly hoped would never happen. There have been multiple reports of the dreaded Spotted Lanternfly in Ontario this fall. Individuals have reported the invasive insect in Oakville, Niagara and Windsor.
The insect is known for its damaging effect on grapevines and fruit trees, posing a significant threat to Ontario’s wine and agricultural industries. To date, despite those reports, the Canadian Food and Inspection Agency says it has not detected the lanternfly on this side of the border. However, the reports “indicate the threat of introduction is real and reinforces the need to be vigilant as spotted lanternfly can be detected anywhere in Canada.” When a sighting is reported, “CFIA follows up and increases surveillance efforts in the area.”
Despite no known established populations in Canada, spotted lanternfly is established in 18 US states. The nearest infestation to the US-Canada border is Buffalo, New York. The insect’s ability to spread is facilitated through hitchhiking on vehicles and laying hard-to-detect egg masses. The agricultural industry, particularly grape growers, fears the significant impact of the invasive insect on crop yield and is awaiting effective insecticide strategies from federal agencies.
Western US and Canada have no established populations of lanternfly. The recent sightings in Ontario are a reminder of the importance of education. “At the end of the day, just learning how to identify and report them, knowing what they are and being knowledgeable is always the first step,” stated Liana Hryniewicz with Ontario’s Invasive Species Centre.
To learn more about the invasive species on the move in southern Ontario, click here.
For more information on Spotted Lanternfly, click here.