Don’t Bring this Hitchhiker Home with You!

Adult SLF- Photo credit: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Sept. of Agriculture

Citizens are urged to be careful not to bring the Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF) home with them as a hitchhiker. People driving out of state or to parts of Ohio with known infestations should inspect and/or wash their vehicles upon return to ensure these insects have not accidentally traveled back with them.

Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF) which is an invasive plant hopper that is native to China was found in Pennsylvania in 2014. In late 2020, SLF was found in southern Ohio in Mingo Junction and in northern Ohio, Cuyahoga County in 2021. It is a major pest of crops including grapes, apples, hops, walnuts and hardwood trees. Nymphs and adults prefer to feed on the invasive tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) but can feed on more than 70 plant species, and has the potential to greatly impact the viticulture, tree fruit, nursery, and timber industries.
The insects suck sap from stems and branches which can weaken and damage the plant. The feeding can result in oozing sap, wilting, leaf curling, and dieback. In addition, during feeding the SLF secretes honeydew which can buildup 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. Black sooty mold is harmless to people however it causes damage to plants. In counties infested and quarantined for spotted lanternfly, residents report hundreds of these insects that affect their quality of life and ability to enjoy the outdoors during the spring and summer months. Spotted lanternflies will cover trees, swarm in the air, and their honeydew can coat decks and play equipment.

Egg mass- Photo credit: Kenneth R. Law, USDA APHIS PPQ

Immature SLF- Photo credit: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Sept. of Agriculture

SLF will lay eggs beginning in October through the beginning of winter. The egg masses of the SLF are small, grey masses protected by a waxy covering. After hatching in late spring, the SLF goes through four nymph stages. During the first three they appear black with white spots, and in the last stage, which typically occurs during mid-summer, they are red with white dots and black stripes. During the late summer and autumn, the SLF is in the adult moth stage. These adults are larger (approximately 1 inch), with black bodies and brightly colored wings.

Spotted lanternfly, which likely arrived on imported goods from Asia, is a plant hopper and not a strong flier. It is moved greater distances by people moving infested materials. It lays eggs on almost any surface, including vehicles, trailers, outdoor equipment, patio furniture, etc. Egg masses can be removed by scrapping with a hard or rigid tool and disposed of into a container of rubbing alcohol.
Early detection is critical to prevent economic and ecological losses. The public has played a key role in detecting spotted lanternfly and the success of stopping its spread depends on help from the public to look for and report signs of the pest.

If you suspect a spotted lanternfly infestation, at any life stage, please report the finding to the Ohio Department of Agriculture Plant Pest Control (614-728-6400, [email protected]), your local OSU Extension specialist (https://extension.osu.edu) or by using the Great Lakes Early Detection mobile reporting app (https://apps.bugwood.org/apps/gledn/).
For more questions regarding Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District programs and/or technical assistance on water or soil questions, visit http://warrenswcd.com or call, 513-695-1337. ​