CFIA Establishes Spotted Lanternfly Regulated Area in Southwestern Ontario

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced a regulated area for spotted lanternfly on October 23, covering Essex County, the city of Windsor, Pelee Township and the municipality of Chatham-Kent in southwestern Ontario. The decision follows additional confirmed detections in Windsor and Essex County after Canada’s first detection in Windsor on September 15, along with hundreds of confirmed observations across the county. CFIA says adults and egg masses show a reproducing population, and it now considers the insect established in the area. Under its response framework, an established area is regulated along with adjacent areas, and anything moving from the regulated area to non-regulated areas must be free of all life stages of the pest. That includes nursery stock, outdoor household items, ornamental stones and firewood.

The development matters for Canada’s horticultural sector, particularly grape producers. According to CFIA, spotted lanternfly can feed on more than 100 species of trees and plants, although significant feeding damage has so far been observed mainly on grapes. The October 23 announcement establishes the regulated area following earlier detections and does not represent the first detection of the insect in Canada.