Beautiful but harmful: The spotted lanternfly’s growing threat in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The spotted lanternfly, a non-native invasive insect, captures attention with its stunning appearance — grayish wings adorned with black spots and vibrant red underwings — but beneath this beauty lies a significant threat to agriculture and local ecosystems.

Franklin County is among 12 counties in Ohio currently under quarantine as the pest spreads rapidly across the state. Since its identification in 2020 in Ohio, the spotted lanternfly has been reported in 17 states, with monthly sightings exceeding 3,000 according to the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The pest was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014.

In response to this growing threat, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is actively educating the public about the spotted lanternfly and encouraging community engagement in monitoring its spread.

As adult spotted lanternflies begin to lay eggs from late September to early October, vigilance now is crucial in managing the ongoing threat of this invasive species, stated Amy Stone, an agriculture and natural resources educator with Ohio State University Extension, the outreach arm of CFAES. Egg-laying will continue until freezing temperatures kill the adult insects, she said.

“Adult spotted lanternflies reach about 1 inch long and half an inch wide when at rest,” Stone stated. “When they open their wings, they have this red wing underneath, and part of their body is bright yellow. So, they’re just very flashy and very obvious to look at.”

Despite their beauty, these insects present challenges for homeowners and agricultural producers alike. The spotted lanternfly excretes a sticky honeydew substance that creates a nuisance and promotes the growth of sooty mold.

“That honeydew has sugars in it,” Stone said. “Everything kind of gets sticky underneath, and it’s also attractive to wasps and hornets.”

The spotted lanternfly feeds on over 100 plant species, including grapevines, hops, apples, and maple trees, stressing these plants and potentially impacting the state’s economy. Urban areas such as Cleveland and Toledo have been particularly affected, with swarms of spotted lanternflies observed on buildings and sidewalks.

The rapid spread in central Ohio can be attributed to a lack of native predators, combined with environmental stressors such as the ongoing drought.

“If you’ve got insects that are feeding and stressing that plant, and they’re also stressed because of the drought, is that going to put some plants over the edge?” Stone said.

CFAES has developed educational resources, including an egg scraper tool designed to engage stakeholders in the fight against the spotted lanternfly. Ashley Leach, a CFAES entomologist, emphasizes the importance of this tool.

“This egg scraper is not just a pest management tool; it serves as a critical outreach and education resource,” Leach said. “It allows individuals to actively participate in controlling the spotted lanternfly population and raises awareness of the issue.”

Leach further explains that the development of the egg scraper stemmed from a collaboration among various experts aiming to educate stakeholders about the spotted lanternfly’s life cycle.

“By using the egg scraper, people can engage directly with the issue,” Leach said. “Removing an egg mass reduces spotted lanternfly numbers and helps people get involved in the movement to slow the spread of the spotted lanternfly.”

The long-term consequences of the spotted lanternfly infestation could reshape Ohio’s agricultural landscape, especially for crops vital to the state’s economy.

“Grapes could be negatively impacted,” Leach said. “The insect is spreading rapidly, and while we currently have tools to manage it, the spotted lanternfly will likely require ongoing adaptation from our agricultural practices to ensure sustainability.”

As Ohio battles the spotted lanternfly, experts such as Stone and Leach emphasize the importance of vigilance. Staying informed and proactive is key to managing the ongoing threat of this invasive species.

“As temperatures drop, freezing temperatures will kill adults, but overwintering eggs will be next year’s spotted lanternflies,” Stone said.

To aid in this effort, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of the spotted lanternfly, which include the following.

• Adult Appearance: Adults are about 1 inch long, with grayish wings featuring black spots and bright red underwings visible when they rest.
• Nymphs: Young nymphs are small, black with white spots, transitioning to red with black spots as they mature.
• Egg Masses: Laid in late summer to early fall, spotted lanternfly egg masses resemble grey, puttylike blobs and can be found on tree trunks, outdoor furniture, and vehicles.
• Honeydew: The spotted lanternfly excretes a sticky substance known as honeydew, leading to a black sooty mold on surfaces beneath infested plants.
• Plant Damage: Infestation can cause wilting, yellowing leaves, and stressed plants, particularly grapevines, hops, and fruit trees.
• Increased Insect Activity: The honeydew attracts wasps and hornets, leading to increased activity around infested areas.