CLEVELAND — Wildlife experts from Ohio State University Extention reported the invasive Spotted Lanternfly along Cleveland’s West 117 Street.
The infestation was originally discovered in summer 2021 in Cleveland. The OSU Extension researchers documented egg masses which new bugs are hatching from.
The Spotted lanternfly is originally native to China, India and Vietname according to the Ohio Department of Agriculture. They primarily attack fruit plants, such as grapes and apples, ornamental and woody trees. The species was first detected in eastern Pennsylvania in September 2014.
The spotted lanternfly is destructive to trees or plants, and can cause issues like molding and wilting.
Spotted lanternflies have established populations in the United States including Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Ohio.
In Ohio, Cuyahoga and Jefferson counties have confirmed populations of the invasive species. The Ohio Department of Agriculture announced a quarantine to combat the spread of the spotted lanternfly in October 2021. This designated the bug as a destructive plant pest under Ohio law and increased inspections and restricts movement of certain items from infested counties to non-infested counties.
Individuals traveling from an infested area with items including tree branches, nursery stock, firewood, logs, or other outdoor items that pose a high risk of spreading the pest are asked to complete a self-inspection checklist.
To report an infestation of the spotted lanternfly contact the Ohio Department of Agriculture for an online form, email a photograph to plantpest@agri.ohio.gov or call 614-728-6400.
