There have recently been a number of new sightings and interceptions of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), mostly along the Windsor/Detroit border. CFIA is currently following up on these observations, and as of sending this, CFIA has not confirmed a population in Windsor or anywhere else in Canada. You will receive communications from CNLA and LO if a population is found and considered established.
Currently, Ontario growers face the highest risk, but growers across Canada need to be vigilant, as SLF spreads on conveyances too.
It’s important to remember that right now is a HIGH-RISK period for hitchhiking adult SLF. The adult phase of SLF is about 2-3 cm long; they have pinkish-grey wings with black spots and black veins at the tips. When the forewings are open, the bright red underwings become visible (for example, in flight). Egg laying starts around Sept 21 – look for 2.5 cm-long greyish, dried mud-looking secretions on natural and artificial surfaces outdoors.
Here are some recommended steps to take right now at your nursery:
- Find a time to do a 5-10 min briefing with all nursery staff (especially including any shipping/receiving staff) to refresh on what to look for and the importance of reporting it. We recently finished a 1-page handout (double-sided) that can be printed and shared with staff.
Briefing Handout >> - Take the extra time to inspect everything (NOT JUST PLANTS) entering your facility from the eastern US. SLF has already been intercepted on shipments of pots this year and has been found in pallets and other shipping materials in the past. If you suspect you’ve found SLF report it to CFIA: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/plant-health/invasive-pests-and-plants/insects/spotted-lanternfly
- If you have preferred host plants near your growing or shipping areas (such as tree of heaven, grape vines, or black walnut), you are strongly encouraged to go scout these plants for adults.
- Take time this winter to review the BMPs and, if you have not already, complete and implement a pest module at your nursery: Spotted Lanternfly. Check back in using this link in the next few weeks as CFIA and CNLA are making some minor edits to these documents.
- Once SLF is established in Canada, CFIA will set up regulated areas. If you end up within a regulated area, having an active and approved pest module in place not only ensures the plants you ship are free from any life stages of SLF, but also facilitates CFIA’s issuance of the domestic movement certificate required to ship to customers outside the regulated area.