THEY’RE BACK! Invasive spotted lanternfly spotted again in Michigan

You’ve probably seen the campaign that Michigan and other states run almost every year around this time. Billboards along the highway that say, “If you see this insect, kill it on the spot,” along with a picture of the infamous spotted lanternfly. (At least that’s what the message said.)

Well, this year the campaign seemed to be working because I hadn’t seen many of these beautiful but intrusive insects near me or where I work or live. But alas, time flew by and once again they are back in Michigan and once again we need to get rid of them.

The spotted lanternfly is not native to Michigan. In fact, it is not even native to the United States. It is originally an Asian insect that found its way here on produce sometime in the early 21st century.

Since their arrival, their population has grown exponentially, especially in the Northeast and Midwest. Typically, their preferred food is another invasive species – the tree of heaven. But they also eat a number of other plant species, including some of our native plants here in Michigan.

They will thrive on Black walnut, willow, red maple, sumac and river birch, but also grapevines are popularwhich is a huge disadvantage for the wine industry in western Michigan and the north.

What’s worse, however, is not that they simply eat the plants, but what they produce in the process. They produce a sticky substance called “honeydew” that collects on the ground around the plants they feed on. This then encourages the growth of mold that can otherwise discolor or even kill the surrounding plants.

A new sighting in Michigan.

The spotted lanternfly was first spotted in Michigan, near Pontiac, in 2022. Since then, there have been occasional one-off appearances in front of a windshield or at a rest stop. But just last week, a second sighting was confirmed in Lambertville, two years after the first sighting.

“The infestation was discovered through spotted lanternfly surveillance traps set by Michigan State University as part of joint survey initiatives with MSU, MDARD (Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development) and the USDA. This work is a critical part of our ongoing efforts to identify and contain the spread of the spotted lanternfly in Michigan.”

This statement came from Steve Carlson, MDARD’s pesticide and plant pest management chief, adding that they are still in the early stages of assessing their response and are collecting data from their traps to determine an appropriate response.

What can you do to help?

There are ways to keep the spotted lanternfly population low.

• Remove and destroy pests: Authorities ask that you squash nymphs and adult spotted lanternflies when you see them. Or, if you’re driving on the highway at 60 mph, smack them with your windshield. If you find clusters of eggs, you can also scrape them into a plastic bag with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to kill them
• Check your vehicles: Before you drive anywhere, make sure that no spotted lanternfly has laid eggs or attached itself to your vehicle. This will help prevent any potential spread further away from where it was found. Also, and this goes without saying, keep windows and doors closed when you park your vehicles to prevent the insects from getting inside and laying eggs there as well.
• Share your findings: If you do find a spotted lanternfly or its nymphs and eggs, document it. Take photos and send them to the Michigan DNR with your location so they can properly document where the insect is spreading.