Struggling with lanternflies? Spotted lanternflies are being spotted everywhere in Northeast Ohio! This insect is a serious invasive pest that feeds on sap from over 70 different plant species. Spotted lanternflies can negatively impact our agriculture, economy, and everyday life through the honeydew they excrete, which eventually turns into mold.
The spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest of grapes, hops, and apples, along with many other species of trees and plants. In late summer and into fall, spotted lanternflies are in their adult stage. They are approximately one inch, with black bodies and colorful red and grey wings with black markings. Most spotted lanternflies reach adulthood by September and lay eggs through December.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture is urging anyone who comes across the insect to report and destroy it immediately to help slow the spread. If you see a spotted lanternfly, kill it, and report to ODA by filling out the Ohio Plant Pest Reporter at www.hudson.oh.us/OhioPlantPestReporter.