Spotted Lanternfly: It’s Coming or It May Already Be Here
Lyndhurst residents: This is the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) that has been found in the eastern suburbs of Cuyahoga County in staggering numbers! This pest does not bite or sting!
The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is native to China and was first detected in Pennsylvania in September 2014. The spotted lanternfly feeds on a wide range of fruit, ornamental and woody trees, with tree-of-heaven being one of the preferred hosts. Spotted lanternflies are invasive and can be spread long distances by people who move infested material or items containing egg masses. Juvenile spotted lanternflies, known as nymphs, and adults prefer to feed on the invasive tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) but also feed on a wide range of crops and plants, including grapes, apples, hops, walnuts, pines, poplars, oaks, and other hardwood trees. In regions where it has been spreading, it’s not only feeding on trees, but also leaving behind a sticky excrement called honeydew. This tacky substance is a nuisance on your patio furniture, and it attracts other insects and promotes the growth of sooty mold.
Cuyahoga County is currently under quarantine, as it was first discovered on the east side near RTA tracks. It is a flying insect and, due to our prevailing winds out of the north and east, it has since spread to our eastern suburbs.
What to Do: Should you find either the adults (see above), egg cases or nymphs (see below), you will need to be prepared to eradicate them! If you find an egg case, the use of a stiff wire brush will destroy the eggs within and should be disposed of into a container of rubbing alcohol. Nymphs (four instars throughout the season) can be shaken or rubbed off the trees (wear gloves) and should be immediately squashed with a well-placed foot! At this time of year, the use of insecticides would be of little use as the adults fly and the eggs are protected within the case.
There are two commonly used trap types for SLF. These are very effective against the nymphs as they move up and down and between plants. Sticky bands plus chicken wire can be banded around tree trunks (https://njaes.rutgers.edu/spotted-lanternfly/trapping.php).
Alternatively, circle trunk traps are very effective (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5AW30VG1o0). Vinegar kills spotted lanternflies on contact. Although you can dilute apple cider or white household vinegar, it is more effective when you spray it raw, directly onto nymphs and adults. Only spray vinegar on/near weeds you do not care about, because vinegar may also harm the underlying plant.
With the cooling temperatures and shorter day length, SLF nymphs and adults will soon die. So, you can take a breather, right? Think again. While the spotted lanternfly adults do not survive the winter, the same is not true for their egg masses, which are unfortunately hardy enough to withstand colder weather conditions. This is why is critical to walk your property and inspect for any egg masses and destroy them now! These eggs are gray, semi-flat clusters. They have a protective coating that looks a bit like mud (that are about one inch long and ¾ of an inch wide), and the insects lay them on all kinds of outdoor surfaces.
If you discover an infestation, call a professional tree care company, or your state agricultural agents if you live in a quarantine area (https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/invasive-pests/invasive-insects/slf).