By Andi Anderson
The spotted lanternfly, a striking invasive insect with gray wings and red underwings, is causing concern in Ohio. This pest, first identified in Pennsylvania in 2014, has spread to 17 states, including Ohio, where it was discovered in 2020. Currently, 12 counties in Ohio, including Franklin County, are under quarantine due to the pest's rapid spread, with sightings now exceeding 3,000 per month.
The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is working to raise awareness and educate the public about the spotted lanternfly. “Adult spotted lanternflies reach about 1 inch long and half an inch wide when at rest,” said Amy Stone, an agriculture educator with Ohio State University Extension. “When they open their wings, they have this red wing underneath, and part of their body is bright yellow. So, they’re just very flashy and very obvious to look at.”
Despite their vibrant appearance, spotted lanternflies pose significant challenges for homeowners and agricultural producers. They feed on over 100 plant species, including grapevines, hops, apples, and maple trees, stressing plants and potentially harming the state's agricultural economy. The pest also excretes honeydew, a sticky substance that promotes the growth of mold and attracts wasps and hornets.
The spread of the pest in Ohio is exacerbated by a lack of native predators and environmental stressors like drought. This makes it harder for plants to cope with the added stress of the lanternfly infestation. To combat this, CFAES has developed an egg scraper tool, which allows individuals to help control the spread of the pest by removing egg masses. According to CFAES entomologist Ashley Leach, this tool is both a pest management device and an important educational resource.
Experts emphasize the need for vigilance, as freezing temperatures will kill adult lanternflies, but their eggs will hatch and continue the cycle next year. Recognizing the signs of an infestation—such as the insect’s distinctive appearance, the honeydew it excretes, and plant damage—is crucial to managing this invasive pest.
Photo Credit: spotted-lanternfly-pennsylvania-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Ohio, Education