Invasive Species

It’s that time of year again when uninvited Japanese beetles make their appearance. Learn how to spot this invasive beetle in your neighbourhood and discover the recommended management techniques for reducing their impact on your trees, shrubs and other plants this summer.

A silent invasion of worms could be happening in your backyard right under your nose. These invaders, known as jumping worms, are rapidly spreading across North America. They may look harmless, but their presence can have devastating effects on your soil and garden. Find out more about how to identify and manage these destructive pests.

A colourful, invasive pest might be closer to your neighbourhood than you think, posing a significant threat to Ontario's urban forests. Read on to learn how to identify the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), the impact it would have on our urban forest and what you can do to prevent it from spreading.

Invasive species are no stranger to the urban forest. Dutch elm disease, emerald ash borer and spongy moth are a few of the destructive species we have become familiar with. The hemlock woolly adelgid is Ontario’s newest unwelcome pest but the good news is we can all take steps to help manage it.

Spongy moth has become an unwelcome guest throughout southern Ontario. Native to Europe and Asia, this invasive moth may be more recognizable by its former names, the gypsy moth or LDD (short for Lymantria dispar dispar). In 2021, we saw a spike in the spongy moth population and with it, extensive tree defoliation in certain areas. While this non-native pest may be here to stay, here’s how you can do your part to identify it and help reduce its impact.