Spotlighting the spotted lantern fly

VERMILION — If you spot this invasive species, take action now. The spotted lanternfly continues to be a major pest for area residents and, even more so, for the local environment. Through information provided by Erie County's OSU Extension Office and the Ohio Department of Agriculture, here is what locals should know about the insect: Q: What are they? A: Basically, they're a threat and a widespread issue. They destroy crops and attract unwanted stinging pests to properties. The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, is an invasive species/pest that is capable of damaging certain plants, such as grapevines, black walnut saplings and tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima). "Nymphs and adults feed in large numbers on sap from grapevines and other perennial and annual plants, resulting in wilting, dieback and sooty mold damage," the state department underscored. Q: Where are they? A: It first arrived from Asia to an area around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 2012. Since then, it has spread to neighboring states, including Ohio. Spotted lanternfly was first identified in Ohio in 2020 and has since been found in several counties across the state. They loom large in several Ohio counties, including Erie and Ottawa, where quarantine regulations are in effect. There's also a smaller presence of them in other areas, including Huron County. They're often seen in lakefront communities, including in cities like Sandusky, Huron, Vermilion and Port Clinton. The agriculture department first announced a quarantine in 2021 to combat the spread of the spotted lanternfly. Spotted lanternfly is now designated a destructive plant pest under Ohio law, which increases inspections and restricts the movement of certain items from infested counties in Ohio and other states into non-infested Ohio counties. "If you find spotted lanternfly in a county that has an established population, you do not need to report it," according to the Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve organization. "They suggest referring to pest management on your property information. Immediate physical removal is an easy option, but know that these bugs can jump pretty far." Q: Are they harmful to humans? A: They are not physically harmful to humans, animals or pets. Both nymphs and adults often jump when approached. Q: So what type of damage do they cause? A: Spotted lanternfly damage is caused by the insect feeding on the trunk and branches of woody plants. Nymphs feed on a wide range of plants, sucking sap from young stems and branches. The feeding on grapevine, black walnut saplings and tree-of-heaven can result in oozing sap, wilting, leaf curling and dieback. In addition, during feeding, the spotted lanternfly secretes honeydew, which can build up on and underneath the plant, which, in turn, promotes the growth of black sooty mold. Black sooty mold around the base of plants or oozing sap may indicate the presence of the spotted lanternfly, however, other pests can cause these symptoms as well. Spotted lanternfly is not known to kill plants other than grapevines, black walnut saplings and tree of heaven. Spotted lanternfly can feed on more than 100 plant species and has the potential to greatly impact the viticulture, tree fruit, nursery and timber industries. 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. Q: What are some ways to prevent the spread of them? A: You can slow the spread of spotted lanternfly by doing the following: • Squash or stomp them; People can also use other methods, such as pesticides, to kill them. • Inspect items; Check outdoor furniture, garden equipment and firewood for spotted lanternfly before moving them. • Follow quarantine regulations if moving to a new area • Remove host plants; Remove spotted lanternfly host plants like the invasive tree-of-heaven and wild grapevine. • Destroy egg masses; Scrape egg masses into soapy water or rubbing alcohol or treat with horticultural oils in winter or early spring. • Control nymphs and adults; Swat or stomp them when populations are low. Live and dead lanternflies can also be removed with a vacuum cleaner or shop vac, promptly disposing of the vacuum bag. • Use low-toxicity insecticides: Apply horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps for nymphs and adults, reapplying as needed. • Apply contact and systemic insecticides; Use bifenthrin, carbaryl or malathion for spot treatments and dinotefuran or imidacloprid for longer protection • Consider hiring a professional pest control business for severe infestations or to remove tree-of-heaven • Report spotted lanternfly or tree-of-heaven infestations on public property to the property owner or responsible party, like a park manager or municipal office; While they are not required to control the infestation, they may choose to do so. If you believe the infested property to be vacant, you can contact your local code enforcement department or municipal office. Q: Should I report them? A: There is no need in Erie or Ottawa counties, since there's already a quarantine in effect. If you live outside those counties, you can take a picture and send it to the agriculture department at agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/invasive-pests/invasive-insects/slf.