This invasive species has just been found in Canada for the 1st time

ENVIRONMENT This invasive species has just been found in Canada for the 1st time By Ariel Rabinovitch Global News Posted September 18, 2026 3:44 pm 3 min read View image in full screen An undated photo provided by the CFIA in a press release from Sept. 17, 2026 shows an adult spotted lanternfly, an invasive species in Canada. CFIA LEAVE A COMMENT SHARE THIS ITEM ON FACEBOOK SHARE THIS ITEM ON X SEND THIS PAGE TO SOMEONE VIA EMAIL SEE MORE SHARING OPTIONS DESCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE INCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE An invasive species of insect known as the spotted lanternfly has been confirmed in Canada, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which is urging Canadians to take action if they spot it or its egg masses. Although all previous documented reports of the spotted lanternfly in Canada have either been an unconfirmed “sighting” or “interception” (live or dead specimen collected), this announcement marks the first time the insect has fallen under the “detection” label, meaning confirmed alive in the Canadian environment through official CFIA surveys. In a press release from Thursday, the CFIA says it confirmed its first detection of spotted lanternfly in Canada on Sept. 15 in Windsor, Ontario. Spotted lanternflies feed on more than 100 species of trees and plants, the CFIA says, but the only significant agricultural impact observed so far has been on grapes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT This means wineries in Canada could be impacted if the infestation spreads to vineyards. The CFIA says it is conducting surveillance in the area surrounding where the spotted lanternflies were spotted to determine the full extent of the infestation and what the next steps will be. Spotted lanternflies have been regulated in Canada since 2018, and to help prevent further spread of the invasive species, the CFIA says restrictions have been put in place to stop movement of regulated materials like plants that could be infested. How did the spotted lanternfly get to Canada? The CFIA says, like with some other invasive species, there are many “human-assisted” ways the spotted lanternfly could have been introduced into Canada. Those include movement on cargo and containers, camping gear and outdoor equipment, patio furniture, cars and trucks, and the movement of plants and plant materials. STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT It’s for these reasons the CFIA is urging Canadians to check any objects stored outside while travelling to…