Community Information
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From the Richland County Park District:
The spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect now found in Ohio and much of the U.S., is out and about this time of year. These pests can damage trees, vines, and crops, and their spread threatens our native ecosystems. Despite its name, Lanternfly, it’s actually not a fly at all. It’s actually a species of leaf hopper and more closely related to cicadas than flies.
Did you know that the spotted lanternfly is a master hitchhiker? One of the main reasons that they have not been able to be contained is because they hitchhike in cars, trucks and even us! They can lay their eggs on pretty much any outdoor surface, and right now (September-November) is when they start laying their egg masses.
If you see a spotted lanternfly of any life stage, you should kill it and then the ODNR asks you take a photo of it and report it.
Link to more info on what to do when you find one and where to report it:
Ways you can help?
Recent studies are suggesting that planting native milkweed is a great start because it is toxic to the spotted lanternfly, but especially the nymphs and can help control the population. Plus, it’s a great safe food source for native caterpillars, such as the Monarch!
If you think you have found SLF, please take a picture and report it to the Ohio Department of Agriculture through the Ohio Plant Pest Reporter. Plant Pest Reporting tool. You can also report via mobile app through the EDDMapS Great Lakes Early Detection Network.