If you have a grapevine on your property, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed that a fly that can kill grapevines has been found in Windsor.
The spotted lanternfly could also have a significant impact on the wine industry. The CFIA warns of widespread economic, ecological, and social impacts if the fly is allowed to spread uncontrolled.
It's the first time the insect has travelled this far north. The spotted lanternfly is native to Southeast Asia and was first detected in North America in 2014 when it was discovered in Pennsylvania. It feeds on the sap of more than 100 plant species.
The fly's egg masses appear as grey smears of mud on host trees and hard surfaces. Their sightings are more common in September and throughout the winter until they hatch in the spring.
Early-stage nymphs are black with white spots. Older nymphs are red with black and white spots. The adults have pinkish-grey wings with black spots.
The CFIA asks residents who spot the fly to take a photo of it, capture it, and report it. Insects or egg masses can be placed in a sealable plastic bag or container.
If you're visiting an area where the spotted lanternfly is known to exist, the CFIA recommends checking your vehicle for infestations and running your vehicle through a high-pressure car wash.
