Spotted Lanternfly Ohio. What should you do? - Thomas deHaas

You may have heard of Spotted Lanternfly. You may have visited a state like Pennsylvania and seen it. You may have read that Spotted Lanternfly (aka SLF) have been found close to home in Ohio. You may have even seen one. What should I do when I find them?

 

Let’s begin with “What is Spotted Lanternfly”? Abbreviated SLF is an invasive treehopper that arrived from Asia to an area around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2012. Since then, it has spread to neighboring states. SLF is not a great flyer but an excellent hitchhiker. It is found on another invasive tree from Asia, Tree of Heaven which reseeds itself and can be found in disturbed areas and along railroad tracks. Infestation spread seems to follow rail lines and highways. 

 

The first question people ask is “Do they bite?” the answer is absolutely not. So don’t be alarmed. Image

 

Spotted Lanternfly only feed on the sap of trees and shrubs and will not hurt people. The downside is they feed from nearly 70 different host plants. Their favorite tree is Tree of Heaven Ailanthus altissima, a tree native to Asia and an invasive species in Ohio. A major concern is their second favorite host is grape vines followed by fruit trees, which is bad news for local vineyards and orchards.

 

Thomas deHaas, Agriculture and Natural Resource Educator for Erie County Extension in conjunction with The Ohio State University Extension, Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODNR), and The United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection (USDA/APHIS) have been monitoring the movement and infestations of Spotted Lanternfly. A delineation survey conducted 3 years ago revealed infestations along the Norfolk and Southern railway tracks from Vermilion all the way through Sandusky to western Erie County line at Sandusky Bay. Image

 

Initially, people living along the tracks were first to see the bug. In our area, the infestation levels have risen to a point where many people are finding them. Remember, “THEY DON”T BITE!” So don’t be alarmed if you see Spotted Lanternfly. As of today, it’s common to see them through much of Sandusky, Huron, Vermillion, and Port Clinton. Vineyards and fruit growers are keeping a keen eye to be on the lookout for Spotted Lanternfly. At this point, none have reported SLF, but it is just a matter of time. 

 

These were collected on the trunk of a Tree of Heaven in Vermillion in 5 minutes. Image

 

For the local homeowner, the biggest concern is, because they feed on sap, they produce honeydew, a sticky substance that they excrete. This can fall on lower leaves of plants and produce sooty mold, a black substance, as well as attract ants and bees. Image

 

If you find a Spotted Lanternfly, in any stage of development, what can you do? Even though it is a beautiful insect, you should squash it. Recently, our office assistant took a picture of an adult SLF she found on the handicap button at the Erie County Services Center, where the OSU Extension Office is located. Yes, she squashed it!

 

Should you report sightings? There is no need. Erie, Lorain, and Ottawa counties are all under quarantine.

 

Other quarantined counties in Ohio are shown on the Ohio Department of Agriculture Map.

 

If you live outside those counties, you can take a picture and send it to ODA at:

 

https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/invasive-pests/invasive-insects/slf

 

This site also contains an up-to-date quarantine map, a management guide, self-inspection checklists, and Pest Alerts from USDA. Feel free to bookmark it on your computer or phone.

 

In the meantime, ODA recommends the following management guidelines from their website:

 

Managing Nymphs and Adult SLF

 

Spotted Lanternflies are susceptible to several management methods. Use the least severe tactic that will give acceptable levels of control.

 

• When populations are low, acceptable control may be achieved by swatting or stomping nymphs and adults when you see them.
• Removing favored SLF hosts, some of which are invasive themselves (tree of heaven and grapevine, for instance) can result in a reduction in SLF populations on your property.
• The use of lower toxicity insecticides such as horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps can provide control of nymphs and adults, with little residual activity. These products would likely need to be reapplied throughout the season.
• Contact insecticides such as bifenthrin, carbaryl and malathion may be used as spot treatments against SLF nymphs and adults. Repeating treatments may be necessary.

 

SLF 1st instar Nymph

 

SLF 2nd instar Nymph

 

SLF 4th instar Nymph on top and 3rd instar nymph

 

SLF Adult

 

As we approach fall, Adults will begin to lay egg masses. They look like a patch of ‘Silly Putty’ stuck to a tree branch, trunk, metal or stone surface.

 

The egg masses can be scraped off. ODA has the following guidelines:

 

Managing SLF Egg Masses

 

Egg masses may be destroyed prior to nymphs emerging, resulting in a reduction in nymphs the following season.  

 

•            Egg masses may be squashed—popping the individual eggs within the masses.

•            Scraping egg masses with a knife or edge of a credit card into soapy water (dish soap works) or rubbing alcohol will kill the eggs.

•            Egg masses may be treated with horticultural oils during the winter months or before bud break in the spring.

 

In the meantime, keep your eyes open for Spotted Lanternfly. If you see them, squash them, and don’t be alarmed, they will not hurt you!