CFIA confirms observations of spotted lanternfly are up

In an effort to prevent its introduction and spread into Canada, spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) has been regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) since 2018. No established populations are known to be present in Canada, but it poses a significant threat to the grape, tree fruit, wine and ornamental nursery industries. 

The number of observations confirmed by CFIA of spotted lanternfly in Ontario increased significantly in 2025 to 17, up from seven in 2024. The observations were centred in Windsor-Essex and Niagara where thousands of acres of grapevines are planted, one of the insect’s preferred plants on which to feed. The majority of observations were on transport trucks, ferries and lake tankers which had come from infested areas of the United States.

Growers in these areas are encouraged to remain vigilant.