Invasive species are opportunists. If species reach a new area where there are no natural mechanisms to stop or control them, they thrive and spread quickly. And much like a natural disaster, invasive species can cause long term environmental and economic damage.
It’s hard to keep on top of invasive species prevention and control on your property, especially with so many on the rise. But being aware and knowing what actions to take are the first steps in helping stop their spread. Here are three invasive species to watch out for.
Already Here: Dog-strangling Vine
Listed as a noxious weed in Ontario and as a restricted species under the Invasive Species Act, dog-strangling vine is found throughout the province, including the Credit River Watershed. This vine forms thick mats that strangle native species and can prevent recreational enjoyment on your property. Look for thin light green stems with smooth, green leaves with wavy edges twining up plants, trees and even itself, reaching up to two metres tall. Narrow milkweed-like seed pods help spread it to new locations.
Take Action
- Learn how to identify dog-strangling vine
- Report sightings to CVC and through EDDMapS
- Remove dog-strangling vine from your property
Close-by: Oak Wilt
First found in Canada in the Niagara Region in 2023, oak wilt is a disease caused by the fungus, Bretziella fagacearum of unknown origin, that targets oak trees. It grows in the sapwood under the tree bark, cutting off the flow of water and nutrients. The disease progresses quickly, killing healthy trees within two weeks to a year from the time of infection. Oak wilt spreads by spores carried by sap-feeding beetles, root to root contact, and humans.
Take Action
- Learn how to identify oak wilt
- Report sightings to CVC and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
- Don’t move firewood
- Do not prune oak trees from April to November. This is when beetles are most active and will be attracted to the exposed wood
On High Alert: Spotted Lanternfly
The brightly coloured spotted lanternfly, an insect that feeds on hardwood and fruit trees, poses a serious threat to fruit tree and grape growers. Although no established populations have been confirmed in Canada to date, 10 observations in Ontario and Quebec were reported to the CFIA in 2024.
Take Action
- Learn how to identify spotted lanternfly
- Report to CFIA if suspected
Help Stop the Spread
We can all do our part to stop the spread of invasive species. Learn more about invasive species in Ontario and our watershed: