Forest Pests Archives – Invasive Species Centre

Invasive Insect, Spotted Lanternfly, Detected in Ontario and Canada for the First Time

A destructive invasive pest, spotted lanternfly, has been detected for the first time in Ontario and Canada. On September 15, 2026, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the first detection of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in Canada in Windsor, Ontario. Spotted lanternfly is known to damage and kill grapevines, causing significant impacts for the grape and wine industry. This pest could also have an impact on other Continue Reading

Oak Wilt Economic Case Study

What is Oak Wilt? Oak wilt is a vascular disease of oak trees (Quercus spp.) that is caused by the invasive fungal pathogen Bretziella fagacearum. The fungus grows on the outer sapwood of oak trees, stimulating the host’s defense mechanisms which restricts the flow Continue Reading

Powering community-led action against invasive species through the Invasive Species Action Fund

Thanks to an investment from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the Invasive Species Centre is supporting 112 new projects across Ontario led by municipalities, Indigenous organizations, conservation authorities, community groups, and non-profit organizations on critical invasive species issues through the Invasive Species Continue Reading

Art exhibition at Evergreen Brick Works raises awareness of potential spotted lanternfly impacts

To help kick off the Invasive Species Centre’s 15th Anniversary, the organization is pleased to partner with artist Laura Fedynyszyn to highlight the potential impacts of the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF) if it were to spread to Ontario. The exhibit Continue Reading

Protect lands and waters in Ontario: Apply to the 2026/27 Invasive Species Action Fund

Thanks to an investment from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the Invasive Species Centre is accepting proposals to the Invasive Species Action Fund (ISAF) to facilitate on-the-ground monitoring and management of critical invasive species in Ontario. Municipalities, conservation authorities, Continue Reading

Protect oak trees: no pruning until November

April 10, 2025 Ontario residents are urged to refrain from pruning oak trees during the no-pruning season, which runs from now until November. Pruning or otherwise damaging oak trees during this time makes them especially vulnerable to oak wilt disease. Continue Reading

Invasive Species Centre Launches Project to Help Protect Ash Species in Ontario

March 19, 2025 The Invasive Species Centre is excited to announce the launch of a new, three-year initiative in partnership with the National Tree Seed Centre, Forest Gene Conservation Association, and the Ontario Forestry Research Institute with funding and support Continue Reading

What You Need to Know About Egg Masses

January 10, 2025 What is an Egg Mass? Egg masses are a protective structure around insect eggs that can come in many different varieties to protect the eggs from weather or predation. Some egg masses, like a spongy moth egg Continue Reading

Spread joy, not pests: invasive species could be hiding in your holiday decor

December 6, 2024 As the holiday season approaches, the Invasive Species Centre is urging the public to check their holiday decorations for invasive species. Christmas trees, wreaths, and other natural decor can have invasive insects, eggs, and plants that pose Continue Reading

Invasive Species Action Fund supports local community groups for on-the-ground action in Ontario

Thanks to an investment from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the Invasive Species Centre is supporting 97 new collaborative action projects by community groups, Indigenous organizations, and municipalities on critical invasive species issues. This includes projects with Anishinabek Nation, Continue Reading

Category: Forest Pests