PONTIAC, Mich. – The frontline against an invasive species is widening in the state as the spotted lanternfly continues to spread in new areas.
Although harmless to people, infestation is a threat against gardens and growers across the state. Spotted lanternflies damage plants by feeding on their sap and leaves, causing long-term harm to trees and crops.
Pontiac is the first site where researchers discovered insects in the state. Spotted lanternflies are native to Eurasia.
Since then, the population has been growing and spreading to new areas, prompting a coordinated response from local authorities and experts.
Patrick Canniff, outreach coordinator for natural resources at Oakland County Parks and Recreation, explains the challenge.
“They’re leaf hoppers, so they kind of spring out from the tree and glide to the next location. They don’t travel very far, but they can hitch rides on smooth surfaces like cars, chairs, and building materials,” he said.
The spotted lanternfly’s primary host is the invasive Tree of Heaven, which has been in the U.S. for over a century. However, the insect is a generalist feeder and will also damage fruit trees and grapevines.
Derek Plotkowski, fruit extension educator at Michigan State University Extension, told Local 4 the pests are not after the fruit.
“It’ll be damaging the leaves, which can contribute to the long-term decline of the plant and reduce overall plant health,” Plotkowski said.
Oakland County Parks and Recreation and MSU Extension have joined forces to combat the spread using traps and public education.
“We have a program to work with growers and municipalities to get spotted lanternfly traps so they can detect the insect in their own area and report it to the state of Michigan,” Canniff said.
There is no pheromone lure for the spotted lanternfly, so traps rely on the insect’s attraction to the Tree of Heaven.
“One of the recommendations that we do have for control is that you take down those trees in heaven, because, as Derel mentioned, they are another invasive species,” said Caitlin Splawski, a greenhouse and floriculture educator of Michigan State University Extension. “So, if we can actually do a lot of control – just by removing that preferred host for the spotted lanternfly.”
Residents are encouraged to participate in monitoring efforts.
“If you see spotted lanternfly, we really just want you to see it, squish it, and report it. Fall is a great time to scrape off egg masses, which contain 30 to 50 eggs each,” Splawski said. “Removing those can reduce the population next spring.”
Meanwhile, the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Development launched a campaign to encourage people to report sightings of the spotted lanternfly, See it, squish it and report it.
However, Michiganders are encouraged to report the bug by snapping a photo of it before squishing it.
If you’re feeling squeamish, you can put the insects in a bag and freeze them briefly, or submerge them in soapy water, Canniff said.
The spotted lanternfly leaves behind honeydew, a sticky excrement that promotes sooty mold growth on leaves, sidewalks, and outdoor surfaces.
“You might see evidence of honeydew and sooty mold, which turns surfaces black and is difficult to scrub off,” Splawski said.
The honeydew also attracts other insects like flies, wasps and yellow jackets.
Oakland County Parks and Recreation has received grant funding to provide traps to residents, especially those with fruit trees vulnerable to damage.
“We’re trying to put traps mostly in places with fruit trees since those crops might be vulnerable,” Splawski says.
While eradication is unlikely, ongoing monitoring and community involvement are key to slowing the spread.
“It’s tough. Unfortunately, it’s here to stay,” Canniff said. “It’s well established in many eastern states, and each year we hear of new reports in neighboring states.”
For more information and resources, Michigan residents can visit:
• Michigan State University spotted lanternfly page
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources
• Midwest Invasive Species Information Network
Michigan residents are encouraged to check their vehicles and outdoor items for hitchhiking spotted lanternflies, especially if they have been near Tree of Heaven or known infestation sites.
The spotted lanternfly monitoring circle traps are available for nurseries/growers, orchards, and municipalities in Oakland County. They can request a trap here.