The Ohio Department of Agriculture has confirmed several new spotted lanternfly infestations across the state, and has added Mahoning County to a regulated area.

The bug, which loves devouring key ingredients for beer and wine, also is in urban Ohio areas, including Columbus and Toledo.

ODA says the fly “is not a strong flyer and is actually a planthopper. Despite this, SLF can spread long distances quickly by people who move infested materials or those containing egg masses.”

In 2021, ODA designated the spotted lanternfly as a destructive plant pest and established regulations aimed at reducing the risk of spread. As a result of new detections, Franklin, Hamilton, Lucas, Mahoning, and Muskingum counties are added to the regulated area.

STOPPING THE SPREAD

In regulated areas, spotted lanternfly infestations have been confirmed and inspections are increased.

The bug can spread long distances quickly by people who move infested materials or those containing egg masses. Individuals traveling from an infested area with items, including tree branches, nursery stock, firewood, logs or other outdoor items, pose a high risk of spreading the pest.

Nurseries, arborists, loggers and other commercial activities may need to be covered by a compliance agreement in order to ship certain products out of infested counties. Call 614-728-6400 for more information about compliance agreements for commercial activities.

The spotted lanternfly was first detected in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014. It was likely brought to the U.S. by imported goods. The first confirmation in Ohio was in Mingo Junction in 2020.

GRAPES, HOPS, APPLES

The spotted lanternfly is an insect native to Asia that is a pest of grapes, hops, and apples, along with many other species of plants. This pest has concerned the grape and wine industry, which contributes more than $6 billion in economic activity to the state yearly. An invasive tree known as tree of heaven is the primary host for spotted lanternfly.

The public plays an important role in detecting this insect. In late summer and into fall, spotted lanternflies are in their adult stage. They are approximately 1 inch, with black bodies and colorful red and grey wings with black markings. They will lay eggs (small, gray masses covered by a waxy covering) beginning in October.

If you think you see spotted lanternfly or damage caused by them, report it to ODA by filling out the Ohio Plant Pest Reporter. A clear photo is required for submissions.

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