Spotted Lanternfly is becoming evident across the county as 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar nymphs. As of 07.08.2024 we have not had any reports, nor seen any adults, but that will be coming soon.
We are encouraging residents to become familiar with this non-native invasive insect - the spotted lanternfly (SLF), and look for the pest in their own landscapes or places they frequent.
*This photo illustrates multiple generations - nymphs and adults.
Here is some resources that can be helpful to grow your SLF knowledge:
Tree of Heaven Tree Identification
Tree of Heaven is the SLFs favorite host. Here is a link about this non-native invasive plant.
https://extension.purdue.edu/news/county/whitley/2023/08/identifying-tree-of-heaven.html
Host Plant Information
The spotted lanternfly has been reported feeding on over 103 species of plants, according to new research (Barringer and Ciafre, 2020) and when including not only plants on which the insect feeds, but also those that it will lay egg masses on, this number rises to 172.
https://academic.oup.com/view-large/208802769
SLF and the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA)
https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/invasive-pests/invasive-insects/slf
Ohio Pest Reporter, ODA
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/1b36dd2cf09e4be0a79776a6104ce1dc
Great Lakes Early Detection Network Reporting App
https://apps.bugwood.org/apps/gledn/
SLF Management for Homeowners
https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-management-guide
SLF Management for Landscape Professionals
https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-management-for-landscape-professionals
SLF Traps
https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-build-a-spotted-lanternfly-circle-trap
If you have a question, or need additional information about SLF, please reach out to your local county Extension office. In Lucas County you can contact Amy Stone, an Extension Educator, at stone.91@osu.edu or 419-574-0986, or the Horticulture Hotline on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 am - 1 pm at 419-578-6783.