Invasive Species

Oak wilt is caused by a fungus and spreads naturally through root grafts or beetles carrying fungal spores. Red Oaks are particularly susceptible to this fungus. 

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Although the disease typically spreads slowly, it can become a serious threat to Canada’s trees and forests if left unchecked. In certain species, like red oak, the disease can move rapidly, sometimes killing the tree within a single growing season. A common sign of infection is leaf discoloration, which starts at the edges and moves toward the centre.

Signs and symptoms of oak wilt include: dull green, brown or yellow leaves; cracks in the trunk; white, grey or black fungus; and early and sudden leaf drop.

The CFIA has been actively preparing for oak wilt through a range of education and outreach activities (including social media and paid advertising), in addition to proactively developing the Oak Wilt Response Framework for Canada. Inspectors have authorities under the Plant Protection Act and Plant Protection Regulations to prohibit, restrict or require actions to address risks to plant health. When required, notices that outline specific regulatory measures are communicated to the affected property owner. 

The CFIA is asking the public not to prune oak trees between April and November, as they are at high risk for oak wilt infection at this time. Beetles can carry the oak wilt fungus from tree to tree and enter wounded trees.

The public can also help slow the spread of oak wilt by reporting any suspected finds to the CFIA. To report a suspected detection, the public can visit Inspection Canada's Oakwilt page.

The CFIA leads this initiative, working with affected stakeholders to determine the next steps.

The CFIA has been preparing for oak wilt through education and outreach activities and developing the Oak Wilt Response Framework for Canada. A pre-established Oak Wilt Technical Advisory Committee, comprising municipal, provincial, and federal partners, has also been organized.
 

For updates about oak wilt or to report a suspected detection, visit Inspection Canada's Oakwilt page.

The Spotted Lanternfly is a sap-feeding planthopper originally from Asia. Adult Spotted Lanternflies are large (2.5 cm in length) and brightly coloured.   

Spotted Lanternflies can weaken or kill plants by feeding on sap and excreting sugary honeydew, which promotes the development of sooty mould. They have been documented to infest over 70 different host plants in North America, including grapevines, fruit trees, black walnut trees, maple trees, and the invasive tree of heaven.  
The Spotted Lanternfly was initially observed in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since spread to 14 other states. While it has not been sighted alive in Canada, it has been found in Buffalo, New York, and Pontiac, Minnesota.  

The Spotted Lanternfly is a proficient hitchhiker, often transported to new areas unknowingly by individuals who move overwintering egg masses. Females lay eggs on flat surfaces such as vehicles, containers, pots, campers, and lumber. The egg masses are up to 2 cm long and covered in a grey, waxy coating that becomes dull over time, making them difficult to detect. 

OMAFRA has been monitoring Spotted Lanternflies since 2016 and is actively working to protect trees in areas frequently visited by travellers from the United States. Therefore, as per OMAFRA's guidance, these traps have been installed to safeguard Niagara-on-the-Lake's plant population.  

OMAFRA has installed BugBarrier Tree Bands, which are tape-wrapped adhesive bands, on the designated tree trunks. Additionally, an information tag with images of Spotted Lanternfly growth stages and a QR code for information and reporting has been attached. OMAFRA staff will inspect and replace the bands every two (2) weeks. 

The trees have been selected by OMAFRA and Town Staff. The species and locations were considered ideal candidates for the Spotted Lanternfly (i.e. the tree of Heaven and high-volume parking areas for American vehicles). 

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If you encounter a Spotted Lanternfly, please take pictures and report them immediately to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

For more information , please visit the external link about Spotted Lanternflies.

Ontario has regulated Japanese knotweed as restricted under the Invasive Species Act to prevent the further spread and introduction of this unwanted invader in the province. For more information on the Invasive Species Act and Regulations, please visit the Ontario InvasionON webpage.

Town Staff have instituted a program to eradicate Japanese Knotweed in the municipal road allowance. The program involves:

• The first cut was completed earlier in the season
• Foliar spray with a systemic herbicide – RT540, is effective for use in controlling invasive species including Japanese Knotweed.
  • As best as possible, both the upper leaf surface and underside should be sprayed.
• After a minimum 7-day period, plants will be assessed to determine the success of the application
• With satisfactory coverage and control via chemical application, the plant may be cut back again to remove material
• Tarping: After chemical application and a second cut, tarping can be an effective alternative for areas which have high sun exposure.
  • Typically after installation, tarps are left for 2-3 growing seasons. Tarping can provide effective longer-term protection following the initial chemical spray and prevent the need for regular mowing within the right of way.
  • Tarps will need to be checked regularly during the growing season to ensure no shoots have breached the material.
  • Note that following the removal of the tarp, revegetation may be required to prevent the re-establishment of Japanese Knotweed.

For areas less exposed to sunlight, where tarping is less likely to be effective, a second chemical application and cut will likely be required in the spring

The Town will be following the Best Management Practices Manual provided by the Province of Ontario.

If you suspect Japanese Knotweed, please follow this procedure:

• If identified on private property, please fill out a Service Request for the Town.
• This Service Request will be followed up on by the Town's By-law Department
• If the plant is identified as Japanese Knotweed, the homeowner will be instructed on how to safely remove the plant using Best Management Practices Manual.
• Please note that this program for private property will only be addressed on a complaint driven basis. The Town is only providing educational material to the homeowner. The Town does not have the necessary resources to enforce this program actively across the entire municipality.

Impacts of Japanese Knotweed include, but are not limited to: 

• It spreads quickly, creating dense thickets that degrade wildlife habitats.
• It reduces plant biodiversity by competing with other native vegetation. Thick layers of decomposing stems and leaves on the ground make it difficult for native plant species to establish.
• It is an aggressive plant with a strong root system that has been known to break through asphalt and concrete.
• It is extremely persistent and is able to survive severe floods and recolonize areas.
• It can establish along riverbanks, where pieces of roots can break off and float downstream to start a new population.

To read about the characteristics of Japanese Knotweed, please refer to pages 3-8 of the Best Management Practices Manual.

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• Learn how to identify Japanese knotweed and how to avoid accidentally spreading this invasive plant through its root fragments and seeds. This is especially important if you are planning to do work in an area which contains Japanese knotweed.
• Learn how to effectively manage Japanese knotweed on your property. The guide to Best Management Practices for Japanese knotweed describes the most effective and environmentally safe control practices for this species.
• Never buy or plant Japanese knotweed. It is against the law to buy, sell, trade, propagate or purposely grow Japanese knotweed.
• Stay on designated trails and keep pets on a leash. Leaving trails or entering areas containing Japanese knotweed can encourage the spread of this plant.
• When leaving an area containing Japanese knotweed, inspect, clean and remove mud, seeds and plant parts from clothing, pets (and horses), vehicles (including bicycles and ATVs), and equipment such as mowers and tools.
• Do not compost Japanese knotweed in your backyard composter. Both seeds and rhizomes (horizontal plant stems growing underground) could survive and grow in compost, unless high enough temperatures are reached to kill the reproducing structures. Contact your local municipality to determine if plant material can be brought to their composting facility. Ontario composting facilities monitor the compost process and meet provincially regulated temperature requirements.