Why Canada’s First Spotted Lanternfly Detection Matters for Farms, Forests and Neighbourhoods

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) detected the spotted lanternfly for the first time in Canada, finding the insect in Windsor. This marks the official entry of the pest onto Canadian soil.

Windsor residents had already reported seeing the bug, but this is the first time an agency survey has verified its presence, the Invasive Species Centre said.

The spotted lanternfly is native to southeast Asia and first appeared in North America in Pennsylvania in 2014, the centre said.

It can feed on the sap of more than 100 different plant species, the centre said.

"Spotted lanternfly is known to damage and kill grapevines, causing significant impacts for the grape and wine industry," the centre said in a Thursday news release. "This pest could also have an impact on other crop growers and the horticulture and forestry industries, as well as residential yards and neighbourhood parks. Spotted lanternfly can have widespread economic, ecological and social impacts if allowed to spread uncontrolled," the centre said.

The Invasive Species Centre asks anyone who sees a spotted lanternfly or its eggs to take a clear photo, seal the insect in a plastic bag, and report the exact location to the CFIA right away.

"All Canadians must report any suspect sightings of SLF to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) immediately," the release said. A good report includes accurate location information and photos, and the CFIA will follow up with site surveys or collection if needed.

If the insect spreads unchecked, it could damage grapevines, other crops, forests and even the plants in suburban yards and parks, threatening both the economy and everyday life for Canadians.

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