Keep a watchful eye, for the Spotted Lanternfly!

While there are still NO known ESTABLISHED populations in Ontario, there have been more recent interceptions and sightings of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly this fall, with a few sighted in the Windsor-Essex region.

Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) adult in the U.S. Image: Cornell University

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continues to update their Spotted Lanternfly Observations page with recent sightings and interceptions: Click here to learn about these recent observations as well as what the difference is between a sighting, interception and detection.

Be on the lookout!

Everyone, including growers, landscapers, gardeners, and the general public, are encouraged to stay on high alert for Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) adults & egg masses this fall.

August – November is when winged adults are present in it’s current range, therefore the risk of sightings in new areas and hitchhiking is significantly increased.

Around the fall equinox, SLF adults will start to lay egg masses (pictured below). Egg masses can be laid on any hard surfaces including on the trunks and branches of trees, patio furniture, shipping pallets, vehicles, equipment, and more.

Old, empty egg sacs of Spotted Lanternfly — Older exposed Spotted Lanternfly egg mass, with vertical rows of eggs visible (Photo: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture)

Spotted Lanternfly eggs on bark — Older exposed Spotted Lanternfly egg mass, with vertical rows of eggs visible (Photo: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture)

For nurseries and other businesses: inspecting any shipments of products coming from the northeastern US remains incredibly important to ensure you’re not bringing in these unwanted hitchhikers!

Everyone can help with early detection of this regulated pest. It is important to report any sightings immediately to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Steps to take if you suspect SLF:

Take a photo or video.
Collect the specimen if possible.
Report to the CFIA immediately. (Link to report a sighting)

Tip: To assist with early detections, pay close attention to any tree-of-heaven that you have on or near your properties since these are preferred hosts for SLF.

Looking for more information?

Below are some links to printable resources that can be shared to spread awareness:

OMAFA Pest Alert: Spotted Lanternfly
Spotted Lanternfly Poster for nurseries and businesses (English)
Spotted Lanternfly Poster for nurseries and businesses (Spanish)

Do you work in the nursery & landscape industry? I’ll be doing a talk on Spotted Lanternfly at Landscape Ontario Congress coming up in January.

Additionally, the Invasive Species Centre offers a free virtual training course on Spotted Lanternfly that is open to everyone. Click here for more information and to register.