Twelve spotted lanternflies (SLF) found dead in a shipment of empty planting pots in St. Catharines earlier this spring is the latest official Canadian observation of the destructive invasive species.
The incident reported by a citizen via the iNaturalist website in March was confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The pots came from an SLF-infested area of the United States, CFIA Program Specialist with the Invasive Alien Species, Grains and Oilseed Section, Diana Mooij, said.
It’s the 57th observation of SLFs listed by the CFIA since 2022. Thirty-five of these are from Ontario. The remainder were from Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba. While most reports were of dead SLFs, there have also been 23 reported sightings or interceptions of live SLFs.
Mooji said the CFIA conducted trace-back activities as part of its follow-up. She said extensive SLF survey activities are also conducted across Canada from spring through the winter to support detection of the insect in all of its life stages. This includes inspecting numerous sites and responding promptly to reports.
Mooji explained that SLF is an invasive pest that can feed on more than 100 hosts trees and plants. There are currently no known established populations in Canada, but, unlike many other invasive insects, it is believed they could survive Canadian winters.
She noted that, if introduced in Canada, SLFs would have the greatest impact on the grape and wine industries.
The pest, which is also an invasive species in the US, was first detected there in 2014 and has since spread and established itself in many US states, including close to the Canadian border such as Buffalo, New York, and Pontiac, Michigan. It is native to parts of Asia.
“The CFIA continues to raise awareness about this pest so that everyone knows how to recognise it, where to look for it, how to report it and what to do if they see it,” Mooji said. “If people understand the risk, care about the impact and know where to look and what to do, we have a better chance of keeping this pest from establishing itself and spreading in Canada.”
According to the CFIA, there are many natural and human-assisted pathways SLF could utilize to expand their range into Canada. These include hitching a ride in plants and plant products or in shipping containers, patio furniture, camping equipment garden tools and more. They have also been known to stow away on personal and commercial vehicles returning from, or passing through, US locations where SLFs are established. Those coming back from such locations are asked to check their vehicle, camper, trailer, RV, and supplies before making the return trip.
Canadians can help prevent the introduction and spread of SLF by reporting sightings. If you spot one, the CFIA would like you to take a photo or video of it, catch it, or scrape the egg masses, and report it. Once you catch the insect, place it into a sealable container.
Report all encounters immediately to the CFIA at: Canada.ca/spotted-lanternfly
