The spotted lanternfly may seem like a cool, rare bug Animal crossingbut you should probably splash it on sight, according to federal guidelines.
More than 70 species of plants and trees are at risk of being targeted by this invasive red-eyed insect. It has not yet been located in Canada, but it does call a few US states home.
According to Ontario Parks, Canada is seriously at risk and shares a border with the US.
If this Chinese native species comes to Canada, our orchards, maple syrup industry and vineyards could be uprooted. All these combined have an annual value of over $530 billion.
Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org
Those camping in the US may be at risk of bringing the spotted lanternfly into Canada, which is why the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued some warnings.
Transporting firewood over a considerable distance is probably not a good idea. That’s where the bug lays its eggs. As they age, they practically drain trees of their sap.
itchydogimages/CFIA
The CFIA says that spotted lanternflies are found in agricultural, residential, industrial and forest areas, so you really need to check and clean all your outdoor items and recreational equipment, including grills, lawn furniture, garden games, tents, hiking boots and backpacks.
The Canadian Council on Invasive Species has created a life cycle map to help you recognize this threat in all its stages.
Canada Invaders
If, heaven forbid, you see spotted lanternfly eggs on anything, scrape them off and destroy them with rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, or soapy water.
“Destroy nymphs and adults by crushing them,” the CFIA instructs, adding that you should put any samples you find in a sealable container and give them to the agency for inspection.
