Rooted Ramblings: Spotted Lanternflies in Portage County

By Beth Whipple, Portage County Master Gardener Volunteer

You may have heard of Spotted Lanternfly. You may have even seen one. What should you do when you see them? Kill by swatting, stomping, scraping, squishing, or contain, trap, vacuum. Read on for details. They may be pretty, but they are dangerous to our plants and trees.

Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), an invasive treehopper species that originated in Asia, was first identified near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 2012. The insect has since spread to several states. Although SLFs are not strong flyers, they can travel efficiently by hitchhiking on vehicles or items. Their host, Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), is also an invasive species found in disturbed areas, along railways, roadsides, neighborhoods, and even cracks in sidewalks. The spread of SLF is most likely due to natural spread and population growth and human-assisted movement (hitchhiking), often along rail lines and highways. SLF do not bite or sting, but both nymphs and adults often jump when approached. 

Look before you leave! Any of the items on this list compiled by the US Department of Agriculture could carry spotted lanternfly to new locations. Use this checklist to inspect for spotted lanternfly before you travel or move these items from areas known to have it. There are great photos too. Spotted Lanternfly Checklist for Residents USDA Check your vehicle for egg masses/juvenile or adult insects if traveling through infested areas. As an extra measure, take vehicles through the car wash before returning home, as driving will not dislodge the insects. Spotted Lanternfly Resources

Common Misconceptions and Myths:

• Household remedies such as dish soap, glass cleaner, vinegar, salt, garlic, and chili/cayenne peppers are not recommended or proven to work for SLF control, and these substances may harm other insects, animals and plants. Instead use nonchemical control methods listed in this article.
  
• Removing all Tree of Heaven trees does not eliminate SLF risk; SLFs will go to other trees, such as fruit trees and maples.
  
• Pressure washing does not destroy SLF eggs; it only removes them from surfaces and can damage vegetation. Egg masses should be scraped off with a plastic card or putty knife into a bag containing soapy water, rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer and disposed of properly.
  
• There is no scientific evidence that milkweed harms SLFs. However, planting native milkweed supports monarch butterflies without affecting SLF populations.
  
• SLFs do not need the Tree of Heaven to reproduce. While the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is the preferred host, spotted lanternflies will lay eggs on almost any surface. Spotted lanternfly experts debunk myths

SLFs feed on approximately 70 different plant hosts and are in the same insect family but much larger than aphids. They pose risks to agriculture, especially to hardwood trees, apples, sweet fruits, and grape vineyards, and hops, so beer and wine production.

SLFs excrete honeydew, a sticky substance, which may result in sooty mold growth on plants. This means the plant cannot breathe and carry out photosynthesis, so plants die, or become weakened. Honeydew also attracts various insects, including bees, ants, flies, and wasps.

Portage County is currently under quarantine for SLF in Ohio, along with seventeen other counties, so you no longer need to report sightings. Quarantine increases inspection and restricts movement of certain items from affected regions into non-infested Ohio counties. See the Ohio Department of Agriculture map for additional information: Ohio Department of Agriculture SLF

If you find a Spotted Lanternfly, in any stage of development, what can you do?

Spotted Lanternfly Management Guide

Ohio Spotted Lanternfly Management Guide

• Inspect and control host plants: Check your weedy vines or garden vines for SLF, removing wild grapevine may help. The Tree of Heaven trees may also be used as trap trees. Trap Trees
  
• Destroy Egg Masses: Scrape egg masses into soapy water or rubbing alcohol or treat with horticultural oils during winter or early spring. Egg masses resemble mud and may be difficult to identify. Smush and scrape Spotted Lanternfly egg masses…before they hatch!
  
• Control Nymphs and Adults: Swat, stomp, or vacuum populations when low, promptly disposing of captured insects or vacuum bag contents. Removing Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs using a Backpack Vacuum
  
• Low-Toxicity Insecticides: Use low-toxicity insecticides such as horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps for nymphs and adults, reapplying as necessary.

Special Management Notes: Protect pollinators by avoiding systemic insecticide applications during flowering periods or near flowering plants. Only use products labeled for SLF control according to label instructions. Remember the label is the law.

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Ohio State University Extension Portage County Master Gardener Volunteer program. As OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, our articles will never endorse specific products or companies. Questions/comments/suggestions/want to find out more/become a PCMGV: 330-296-6432 •  OSU PCMGV web • portco.mgv.oh@gmail.com • FB PCMGV • PCMGV Speaker’s Bureau