Spotted Lanternfly nuisance found in local areas

Last summer, infestations of the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) (SLF) made their
presence known in several areas of Lucas County, including areas in east Toledo, south Toledo and downtown.
The non-native invasive insect is a plant hopper that was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 and is now known to be in 12 of Ohio’s 88 counties, and in 17 states including: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Recently, a SLF nymph was found in a U.S. Department of Agriculture trap deployed to monitor the infestation in NW Ohio, and they have also been observed in areas where they were active in 2023.
“Homeowners that are experiencing the presence of SLF on their property will notice an increased production of honeydew – the excrement of the insect – as the numbers of SLF increase, and as they become adults and consume more sugars from the plants that they are feeding on” said Amy Stone, OSU Extension’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator in Lucas County. “It is important to monitor for this pest early and begin to implement managing techniques before populations reach high numbers that could limit enjoying time outdoors.”
SLF spent the winter and early spring in the egg mass stage, and just recently began to hatch. The insect will have four nymph or immature stages before they become adults. These juvenile stages do not fly, but rather are strong jumpers. The nymphs begin as black insects with white spots during the first three stages, and then become red with black and white markings at the fourth stage before becoming an adult that looks quite different, has wings, and can not only jump, but can fly and glide.
SLF are not outright plant killers, but their feeding can weaken or stress plants and can be a nuisance simply with their presence. As nymphs, they have a broad host range, and can be observed feeding on numerous deciduous trees, shrubs, and garden plants. As they mature, their host preferences narrow.
Throughout their life cycle, their two favorites are tree of heaven and grapevines, both wild and cultivated. The newly hatch nymphs are small and about ¼ of an inch in length, and sometimes described as tick-like in their appearance. They will be found on leaf petioles, stems, branches, and trunks of the plants they are feeding upon. Management options can include trapping, vacuuming, or insecticide treatments.
For additional information on controlling this insect, Penn State University Extension has created a resource of homeowners at: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-management-guide. If you have questions about the SLF, you can contact your local Extension Office.