Be on the lookout for destructive spotted lanternfly

Administrator | Sep 22, 2026 | Comments 0

By Sharon Harrison
Local residents and landowners are being urged to be on the lookout for the spotted lanternfly, which has now officially entered Ontario.

People should keep a watchful eye out for this invasive and destructive insect this fall, but also through next spring and summer, where, if or when it arrives in Prince Edward County, it has the potential capacity to damage and destroy numerous plant and tree species.

On Sept. 15, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed the first detection of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in Canada, specifically in Windsor, Ontario.

“Spotted lanternfly is known to damage and kill grapevines, causing significant impacts for the grape and wine industry. This pest could also have impact on other crop growers and horticulture and forestry industries, as well as residential yards and neighbourhood parks,” notes the Invasive Species Centre.

The tree of heaven is the primary host for this invasive pest, but it can also target trees (oak, maple, black walnut), hop vines, fruit trees, along with grape vines and wild grapes.

They indicate that anyone can help identify and report new invasive species, such as spotted lanternfly. The earlier an invasive species is detected, the better the chances of reducing spread to other areas.

In a recent social media post, the Invasive Species Centre are asking community members to be vigilant, and if a spotted lanternfly is located (they are very distinctive in markings and colouring), they recommend the following:

Spot it?:
Learn how to identify spotted lanternfly at all life stages. Right now, be on the lookout for adult insects.

Snap it:
Take a photo or a video of suspected spotted lanternfly egg mass, nymph or adult.

Catch it:
Put the insect or scrape the egg masses into a sealable plastic bag or container.

Report it:
Report any suspected sightings of spotted lanternfly to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency immediately.

Spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect native to south-east Asia first detected in North America in Pennsylvania, US in 2014, where it can feed on the sap of over 100 different plant species.

“Spotted lanternfly can have widespread economic, ecological and social impacts if allowed to spread uncontrolled.”

More information can be found at https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/invasive-insect…/

In August 2023 the public was invited to a workshop at the Bloomfield Town Hall, hosted by the not-for-profit organization, Invasive Species Centre, to address what the spotted lanternfly is, where it is and what it might do if it reaches the County.