The Spotted Lantern Fly is an invasive species that has been making its way across the Eastern United States. Last year in Ohio, three counties were found to have infestations.
The spotted lanternfly adult is approximately 1" long and 1/2" wide at rest. The forewing is grey with black spots and the wings tips are reticulated black blocks outlined in grey. The hind wings have contrasting patches of red and black with a white band. The legs and head are black; the abdomen is yellow with broad black bands. Immature stages are black with white spots, and develop red patches as they grow.
Spotted lanternfly feeds on a wide range of fruit, ornamental and woody trees.
- Tree of heaven
- Willow
- Maple
- Poplar
- Prunus spp. (plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots)
- Apple
- Pine
- Grape vines
Damage is caused by the insect feeding on the trunk and branches of woody plants. The feeding can result in oozing sap, wilting, leaf curling, and dieback. In addition, during feeding, it secretes honeydew which can build up on and underneath the plant, which in turn promotes the growth of black sooty mold.
If you suspect a spotted lanternfly infestation, at any life stage, please take a picture or collect a sample and report the finding to the ODA Plant Pest Control, at plantpest@agri.ohio.gov, or 614-728-6400.
Treatment
- Late September through May: Lookout for egg masses. Egg masses can be removed by scraping with a hard or rigid tool and disposed of in a container of rubbing alcohol.
- From late April through early November: SLF nymphs will emerge from the egg masses. These nymphs will crawl up and down trees to feed each day and can be controlled by banding the trees with an adhesive trap. Replace wraps every 1 to 2 weeks through July.
- June through August: Adults emerge. Adults can be killed in different ways.
- Smushing
- Insecticidal Soap
