Spotted Lanternfly (lycorma delicatula) is a non-native, invasive pest first discovered in Ohio in 2020. It poses a threat to grapevines, maple trees, hops and over 50 other plants that it feeds on with its piercing-sucking mouthparts. It has spread to over a dozen counties in Ohio including our major city hubs in Hamiton, Franklin, Cuyahoga, Lucas, Summit, and Mahoning Counties. An updated map can be found on the Ohio Department of Agriculture website here.
Grape vineyards and wineries are an important component of Ohio's agriculture and are at most risk. Both the adult and nymphs of the Spotted Lanternfly feed on sap from the cambial tissue of the plant. This feeding can stress the plant making it more susceptible to secondary issues, freezing, disease and other pests. Fortunately Spotted Lanternfly is easily managed with insecticides and scouting. Learning to recognize the nymphs and adults, how to report, and what to do will help us slow the spread of this new invasive insect.
Below, we have resources to help you be aware of Spotted Lanternfly.
REPORT IT! Ohio Plant Pest Reporter Online
FACTSHEETS
BE ALERT TO SPOTTED LANTERNFLY
VIDEOS