The Invasive Species Centre provided training to residents of Prince Edward County recently on how to identify and report the invasive spotted lanternfly.
While it hasn’t been detected in Canada to date, infestations of the spotted lanternfly have occurred close to the border.
Experts are currently preparing for its arrival in Canada by educating people on what to look for, knowing how to report it and checking vehicles and outdoor equipment when leaving an area.
“Participants were very eager to learn more about spotted lanternfly. Many people are concerned about its potential arrival and want to learn how to prevent its spread and report it,” says Invasive Species Centre Program Development Coordinator Emily Posteraro. “They want to protect Ontario’s natural and agricultural assets and learning about this pest is the best way to do it. Education goes a long way, by making the early detection of a new invasive species more likely and enabling a rapid response as early as possible.”
A free, self-paced online course, Spotted Lanternfly Training, is available under the Invasive Species Centre’s Training Program here: Invasive Species Training Program – Invasive Species Centre
Written by Joseph Goden
