While the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is still NOT established in Canada yet, there have been numerous interceptions and unverified sightings over last couple years, with many being in the months of August and September.
At this time of year in the Eastern US states bordering Ontario, SLF adults can be found flying and feeding on trees but also pose a threat to being accidentally transported over the border via personal vehicles, trucks, trains, and even boats! Recently, there have been a number of interceptions on boats crossing the Great Lakes from infested US states that dock in provinces like Ontario and Quebec.
Now is a critical time to be on the lookout for Spotted Lanternfly adults and know what to do if you find one…
What to do if you find a Spotted Lanternfly:
Spotted lanternfly is an invasive species with anticipated impacts to our wine, nursery and forestry industry. It is a regulated pest in Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has not yet confirmed any established populations of spotted lanternfly in the Canadian environment.
Click here to view a list of CFIA’s verified observations of SLF in Canada.
At this stage, reporting any suspected finds of SLF remains incredibly important.
If you are in Canada, and think you have found a Spotted Lanternfly please ensure you follow these steps:
- Snap it: Take clear photos of the specimen
- Kill and/or catch it: if you are able, collect the specimen or squish it and put it in a sealable container such as a small jar, vial or plastic bag. Live specimens can be placed in a freezer to be killed. Retaining the sample is important so that a positive identification can be made.
- Report it: Collect as much information as possible such as your accurate location and report the find to the CFIA.
Common look-a-likes
While the spotted lanternfly adults are quite large and distinct (you’ll know it when you see it!) there are some other insects that can be mistaken for Spotted Lanternflies. They include: boxelder bugs, European fire bugs, and some moths and stink bugs.
We need everyone’s help!
Please share the message so everyone knows to keep an eye out and report this invasive species. August and onward is a great time to look for adults, especially on some of their favourite hosts like grapevines, landscape trees, and the invasive Tree of Heaven. The goal is to keep this insect out of Canada and slow it’s spread as much as possible to allow more time for research into improved management and control.
If you’re looking for posters or other information to share, check out the following resources:
OMAFA Pest Alert: Spotted Lanternfly
Invasive Species Centre Poster
Spotted Lanternfly Poster for nurseries and businesses (English) * also available in Spanish
CFIA Spotted Lanternfly Page
Additionally, the Invasive Species Centre has lots of posters and fact sheets that are free to use (you can even request printed copies be sent you or your business!): Spotted Lanternfly Landing Page
They also offer a free virtual training course on Spotted Lanternfly that is open to everyone. Click here for more information and to register.
