LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Some might say that the spotted lantern fly is quite an attractive bug with it’s slender black legs and colorful markings including black polka dot-like patterns on semi-transparent wings. However, the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) isn’t enamored by them. In fact, they want them dead.
MDARD is asking Michiganders to be on the lookout for these invasive species and they say that late summer to early fall is the prime time to spot the planthoppers. They are urging Michigan residents to eradicate the insects and report any potential sightings of what they call “destructive invasive pests.”
Rob Miller, MDARD’s invasive species prevention and response specialist, says, “We’ve heard reports of spotted lanternflies swarming New York City and covering beaches on the Jersey Shore. We’d like to prevent similar scenarios in Michigan. Everyone can help by looking for spotted lanternfly and reporting suspected sightings.”
The spotted lanternfly spreads to new locations by hitchhiking or laying eggs on vehicles and equipment that have traveled through infested areas. MDARD says if you are returning from out of state, it’s important to look for and destroy spotted lanternfly insects and egg masses that may be hiding on cars, trailers, firewood, camping gear or anything that’s been outside.
The Michigan Invasive Species Program’s new campaign – “See it. Squish it. Report it.” – reminds Michiganders and visitors of the simple steps they can take to prevent new introductions of spotted lanternflies in the state. In addition to sanctioning the killing of the lanternfly, the state also wants the slayings documented.
Miller says, “If you see a spotted lanternfly, yes, we really do want you to squish it if you can. Then, take a photo or two and report it to us through the online Eyes in the Field reporting system. It’s important to get to know what the spotted lanternfly looks like, though, because we don’t want to target harmless native insects with pretty wings.”
Billboards along major freeways and print material available through Michigan’s cooperative invasive species management areas were developed with support from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. MDARD is also giving tips on how to spot the spotted lanternfly and urges Michiganders to become familiar with spotted laternfly life stages. More information on the spotted lanternfly, including identification, look-alike species and how to report, is available here.
Currently, there is only one confirmed population of spotted lanternflies in Michigan. The infested site, a county-owned parcel in Pontiac, is being managed by a team including Oakland County, MDARD, Michigan State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service staff. Management includes treatment and/or removal of invasive tree of heaven – the spotted lanternfly’s preferred host – and regular survey and monitoring of the insect population. Extensive surveys in August found no evidence of spotted lanternfly spreading beyond the originally infested site.
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MDARD is concerned about the spotted lanternfly because it feeds on more than 70 different plants, including grape vines and hardwood trees. It sucks sap from host plants while secreting large amounts of a sugar-rich, sticky liquid called honeydew. This honeydew and the resulting black sooty mold can kill plants and foul surfaces. The honeydew often attracts other pests like yellow jackets, flies and ants, affecting outdoor recreation and complicating crop harvests. Swarms of spotted lanternfly adults can reach nuisance levels that hinder outdoor activities.
Although the spotted lanternfly is harmless to humans, the humans in Michigan are no longer harmless to them.
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