The big, fluttering, red-tinged wings of spotted lanternflies are already appearing in Cleveland — and soon the city will see much more of the invasive creature as nymphs transform into their adult stages and take to the skies.
“Right now, I think we’re seeing a mix of the nymphs and the adults, depending on where you are in the state,” says Ohio Department of Agriculture Inspection Manager Jonathan Shields, “but in the Cleveland area, I’d say you probably have a mix of those late, red and black nymphs, and the adults. But they haven’t begun to lay their egg masses yet.”
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Populations have been building in Cleveland since they were first reported in the city in 2021; at this point, Shields says the insect has reached a nuisance level.
“We’re encouraging people in those areas to do what they can to manage it,” he says. “To take matters into their own hands.”
In other words: Stomp. Or spray. Or suck them up with a Shop-Vac. Or squish egg masses. The Ohio Department of Agriculture has a resource page on its website to guide folks on how to manage spotted lanternflies effectively. (Shields cautions Ohioans to use academic sources or expert resources for research, as some spotted lanternfly-killing products can also be damaging to plants.)
Outside of Cleveland, spotted lanternflies are being seen in more of the state. Last year, the department added six new counties to its spotted lanternfly quarantine list, bringing the total number to 18. This year, the department has confirmed spotted lanternfly populations in five more counties which may be added to the list next year: Huron County, Washington County, Scioto County, Clark County and Henry County.
And in future years, it’s likely that list will only grow.
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While concerns about Ohio’s $8 billion grape industry swirled when spotted lanternflies were first discovered in the state, Shields says that, for the most part, growers have been able to fend off the sap-sucking insects with existing treatments.
The bugs won’t sting or bite, but they will be a continuing annoyance for homeowners.
“They’re feeding on sap, they’re generating this waste, and it’s kind of a sugary, sticky liquid that can have some detrimental effects just on its own, but it can also attract stinging insects in the same way your can of soda at the barbecue would attract stinging insects,” Shields says. “But also it can promote the growth of sooty mold, and it can make your outdoor environment less appealing. That — and just the number of insects that are in your business while you’re outside.”
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