“COMMUNITY” PEST ALERT: Spotted Lanternfly

Originally published on the ONgreenhousevegetables blog on  by Cara McCreary

A spotted lanternfly adult. Photo by APHIS.

They may be pretty, but they aren’t our friends. Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive sap-feeding planthopper with potential to harm agriculture and forestry in Ontario.

But I only grow greenhouse fruits and vegetables, so why does it matter to me, you ask? Read on to learn more about why this pest matters to everyone.

SLF: The Issue

Although not considered a huge threat to our greenhouse crops, we can still do our part in our communities. If you enjoy the benefits of orchards, vineyards, agroforestry or nurseries or you have neighbours, friends or family that produce these commodities, then you are part of this community.

There are currently NO ESTABLISHED POPULATIONS of SLF in Canada, but interceptions have occurred at several border crossings, so this is an imminent threat.

Spotted lanternfly is a quarantinable pest in Canada. It is important to report any sightings immediately to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Steps to take if you suspect SLF:

  1. Take a photo or video
  2. Collect specimens including adults, nymphs or egg masses
  3. Report

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

Below are some resources that can be used to spread awareness including:

  1. Pest Alert: Spotted Lanternfly
  2. Spotted Lanternfly Poster (English)
  3. Spotted Lanternfly Poster (Spanish)

omafra-spotted-lanternfly-pest-alert-en-2023-07-21DOWNLOAD

LO_EN_SpottedLanternFlyPoster_2024DOWNLOAD

LO_SP_SpottedLanternFlyPosterDOWNLOAD



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Updates to the Expanded Energy Management Program from Save On Energy

GrowON Webinar: Planning Your Spring IPM Program with Ontario’s Crop Protection Hub!

Deficiencies Got You Down?