Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a very colourful and attractive insect, native to Southeastern Asia. It has yet to be detected in Canada, however it has been found in a residential area of Buffalo, New York adjacent to an active rail line.
The adult insects primarily feed and lay eggs on the non-native Tree of Heaven, but the nymphs may attack a variety of trees. This insect is seen as a significant threat to the tree fruit, grape, wine and ornamental nursery industries.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Muddy-grey egg masses on or around host trees
- Dark streaks or sap flowing down the bark of the tree
- Honeydew secretions (insect secretions) at the base of a host tree that can become covered in a sooty-coloured mold
- Increased bee and wasp activity, as they are attracted to exposed sap and honeydew
- Spotted lanternfly swarms on or at the base of host trees and vines
What you can do:
- If you think you have seen the spotted lanternfly or its egg masses report it to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
- Pay extra attention if you are travelling back from infested areas of the United States, so that you do not accidentally transport these pests into Canada.
- If you find egg masses you can scrape them into a plastic bag filled with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol, seal and throw away.
What the City is doing:
- Working with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) to install spotted lanternfly (SLF) surveillance plots in City of Toronto parkland and natural areas in the summer of 2023.
- Proposed surveillance plot locations:
- Centennial Park, Etobicoke
- High Park
- Humber Bay Park East & West
- Jeff Healey Park
- Mimico Creek natural area between The Queensway and Lake Shore Blvd West
- South Humber Park
- The surveillance includes the use of tree bands to intercept SLF nymphs as they move up and down host plants. The bands are placed approx. 1.5 m up from the ground on mature host trees, such as tree of heaven, black walnut, and maple.
