Spotted Lanternfly has been observed hatching in the Toledo area as 1st instar nymphs from egg masses laid last year.
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
ODA's SLF Management Guide for Ohioans
https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/invasive-pests/slf-bmp
Ohio Pest Reporter, ODA
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/1b36dd2cf09e4be0a79776a6104ce1dc
*Reporting infestations is no longer needed in Lucas County, since we know that the insect is present in our county.
Great Lakes Early Detection Network Reporting App
https://apps.bugwood.org/apps/gledn/
*Reporting infestations is no longer needed in Lucas County, since we know that the insect is present in our county.
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.