COLUMBUS, Ohio — The invasive spotted lanternfly, first identified in Ohio in 2020 after its 2014 discovery in Pennsylvania, is emerging this spring, posing a threat to gardens and the state’s environment. Native to Asia, the pest targets plants, weakening them and attracting harmful fungi, with a particular fondness for grapes, hops, and the invasive tree of heaven.
Appearance and Life Cycle
Adult lanternflies, visible from July to November, measure about 1 inch long and 0.5 inches wide, with tan forewings featuring black spots and colorful hindwings with red, black, and white patches, according to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. Eggs hatch from April through early summer, with early nymphs appearing black with white spots and older nymphs displaying red, black, and white markings.
Environmental Impact
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources notes that lanternflies feed on plants, causing wilting and dieback, making them vulnerable to mold and other damage. Their sugary “honeydew” byproduct attracts ants, flies, and wasps while fostering sooty mold, which can devastate grape and hop crops.
Spread and Quarantine
Originating in southern China, Vietnam, and Taiwan, lanternflies likely arrived in the U.S. via imported goods. They have spread to 17 states, including Ohio, where over a dozen counties entered quarantine in 2020, with additional northern and eastern counties added in 2024 to curb their movement.
Control Methods
The Ohio Department of Agriculture recommends several control measures:
• Nymphs and Adults: Crush small numbers or use low-toxicity insecticides like horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps. Contact insecticides (bifenthrin, carbaryl, malathion) or systemic treatments (dinotefuran, imidacloprid) can be applied as spot treatments or trunk injections. Removing host plants, such as the tree of heaven, also helps.
• Egg Masses: Scrape into soapy water or rubbing alcohol, or treat with horticultural oils before spring sprouting.
Certified personnel may be required for some insecticides, and caution is advised to protect pollinators by avoiding application during bloom periods.
Reporting Sightings
Residents spotting lanternflies outside quarantined counties should photograph and report them to the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Plant Pest Control via the Ohio Plant Pest Reporter. Sightings in known infestation areas do not require reporting.