OTTAWA, ON - As summer begins, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) would like to remind Canadians what they can do to protect plant health. Preventing introduction and spread of invasive insects, plants, molluscs and diseases is important to maintaining Canada's precious plant resources.
Invasive plant pests are most active in Canada during the summer months. The CFIA encourages Canadians to join the plant health movement and go outdoors this summer to check the trees, parks and gardens in your community proactively. Check vehicles, equipment or other things you have stored outside, too, especially before heading out across the country or across the border so that you don't bring uninvited "guests", such as European gypsy moth, weed seeds and soil with you. Become familiar with invasive pests in your area and report sightings that may be new, like the spotted lanternfly. Some pests, like the emerald ash borer, might hitch a ride if you transport firewood. When heading camping or on a trip to the cottage this summer, be sure to buy or gather your firewood where you'll burn it.
Everyone has a role to play in safeguarding Canada's forests, agriculture and environment. The CFIA's plant health hero activity books are a great way to have fun and help teach kids about how plants are the basis for all living things.
A full list of invasive pests that the CFIA is monitoring is available online. The CFIA's invasive pest cards and pest facts sheets provide more information on what to look for and what to report. Report insects or unusual tree damage using the CFIA's website or social media channels or via apps like iNaturalist and EDDmaps.
Plants lay the foundation for life. Celebrating the International Year of Plant Health provided an extraordinary opportunity for government departments, non-profits and other organizations to highlight the importance of plant protection during the past 18 months. By working together to protect plant health, we lay the foundation for a better future.
Source : CFIA