“Spot” this Pest? Here’s What to Do

Dressed in polka dots and multi-colored wings, the spotted lanternfly may seem like a fun companion for backyard parties, but the non-native, invasive species can cause a host of issues for the local landscape and agriculture. The City's urban forestry experts are weighing in on what residents can do if they spot one of these pests.

First things first: the spotted lanternfly does not pose a direct threat to humans or pets, and its presence in your yard is not an emergency.

"Seeing a few spotted lanternflies on your property is not uncommon and doesn't mean the tree is in immediate danger," said Parks Forestry Manager Adam Williams. "Most healthy trees can tolerate some level of infestation."

The insects prefer to feast on the sap of the tree of heaven, a non-native and invasive plant; however, they also feed on fruit, maple and birch trees, grape vines, hops and other woody plants. With its body full of sap, the bug excretes honeydew, which can promote the growth of black sooty mold. While the Ohio Department of Agriculture's website notes that SLF activities are only known to kill tree of heaven, grapevines and black walnut saplings, they cause damage such as wilting, dieback and leaf curling in their other targets.

While contacting the City is not necessary, residents can report sightings to the state by utilizing the plant pest reporting tool on the ODA's website.

"Widespread infestations are already known in our area, so individual sightings do not need to be reported," said Williams. "We're focusing on managing impacts, not eradicating the insect."

Just like mitigation efforts for other pests such as mosquitoes, minimizing the presence of spotted lanternflies on your property comes down to making things less hospitable for the pests throughout their life cycles.

"If you see lanternflies on your property, you can help reduce their numbers by gently scraping egg masses into a bag with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer and disposing of it," said Williams. "Adults can be removed using safe methods like sticky bands or traps-just follow best practices to protect birds and beneficial insects."

The ODA encourages residents to refrain from applying systemic insecticides to flowering trees and shrubs that are in bloom to avoid harming pollinators. The state advises that low-toxicity insecticides can also be effective. Egg masses and nymphs can also be disposed of by stomping and/or vacuuming with prompt disposal. Removing tree of heaven plants eliminates an invasive plant from the landscape and the spotted lanternfly's favorite meal.

ODA designates spotted lanternflies as destructive plant pests. Some counties, including Franklin, are under quarantine that requires inspections and restricts the movements of items favored by the pests. The state expanded the list of counties under quarantine in May.