Spotted lanternfly (SLF) has been detected in Buffalo, New York, just 45 kilometres from the Canadian border. The New York State Department of Agriculture is asking for the public’s help in reporting the pest with the discovery of more than 100 adults in the border city since September 9, 2022.

“This destructive agricultural pest attacks a wide range of native hardwood trees, grapevines, and fruit trees and threatens industries, such as fruit orchard, beer, wine and grape product industries, so it is a big concern for Canada,” said Sarah Rang, executive director of the Invasive Species Centre. SLF is an invasive insect native to parts of Asia that was initially detected in the U.S. in 2014 in Pennsylvania, eventually spreading to 14 U.S. states.

Canadians can help prevent an infestation by identifying and reporting signs of SLF. Adults are present from July to December and can begin laying one-inch long, muddy-looking egg masses as early as September on any hard surface outdoors. So check tree trunks, vehicles, patio furniture, firewood, railings, and stone and metal surfaces for egg masses. Adults are often found swarming at the base of trees.

This news has piqued the concerns of Ontario growers. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has been monitoring for several years now. Dr. Wendy McFadden-Smith, Horticulture IPM specialist at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), will be leading two workshops to provide Ontario stakeholders with information and tools to identify and report spotted lanternfly and its preferred plant host, tree-of-heaven.

This in-person workshop is free of cost and is being delivered on two different dates (as the same content will be covered in both, it is not necessary to attend both workshops). Advance registration is required at the links below. Capacity is 45 people per workshop so secure your place as soon as possible.

-  Wednesday, September 21, 6-8 p.m. EDT - Register HERE

-  Wednesday, October 5, 6-8 p.m. EDT - Register HERE

Location: Meeting Room, Lincoln Pelham Public Library (Rittenhouse branch), 4080 John Charles Blvd., Vineland

Source:  Grape Growers of Ontario September 16, 2022 newsletter, Invasive Species Centre, September 15, 2022 news release