Stone: Seeing spots

I would like to begin by thanking everyone who has taken an interest in learning more about the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) and being one more set of eyes in the field looking for the invasive species.

I have been inundated in recent days with emails, calls, text messages, photographs, and even an occasional specimen of what residents are finding — and yes many are seeing spots — the spotted lanternfly. I am grateful for everyone who has reached out or reported finds on the Great Lakes Early Detection Network (GLEDN) app or through the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Plant and Pest Reporter.

As a result of the number of reports, the Ohio Department of Agriculture along with many cooperating agencies and organizations will be doing some additional survey work in the area to determine the size and scope of the infestation.

Currently, we are seeing both the black and white nymphs (stages 1 – 3), along with the red, black, and white nymphs (stage 4), and just last week, I received the first report of the season of an adult fly found in northwest Ohio from two dedicated spotters — Chuck and Luann Perzynski. A special shout out to them for letting me know what they are seeing and where.

So, what does this mean in the world for spotted lanternflies? We now have jumpers and flyers!

While the flies are not outright plant killers, their feeding can injure some plants. That injury coupled with other pest pressures or weather events, can be a threat to certain plants. Plants of concern include grapevine, hops, and maples — especially those used for tapping. Additionally, and most common in our residential landscapes, the flies can be a nuisance simply in their presence. As their numbers expand and grow, so does the amount of sap they ingest from the plants they are feeding on, which ultimately increases the amount of excrement — commonly called honeydew. This simply sweet insect-poo can be messy and will also be very attractive to bees, wasps, and hornets as they seek out those sweet treats in later summer and fall.

OSU Extension will be hosting two informational meetings on the spotted lanternfly for residents to learn more about the insect, its favorite host plant — the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), and management options for both. Attendees will also be given a fly trap that they can use in their own landscape to monitor for the insects through the generous support of the Toledo Urban Forestry Commission and the OSU Extension office in Lucas County. Here are the details:

■ July 24, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Toledo Heights Library, 423 Shasta Dr., Toledo.

■ Aug. 9, 3 to 5 p.m. (presentation will be from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.) at the Metroparks Toledo Glass City Enrichment Center, 815 E. Front St., Toledo.

If you are still wondering, why should I care? A short conversation with someone who has had to live with the insects might provide the answers you might be looking for. Or talking with someone who is growing crops that lanternflies like might provide a little insight of how bad it can be. While they aren’t a threat to human health, sharing your outdoor space with these six-legged insects might not be very enjoyable.

If you would like to attend either of the educational opportunities, please RSVP by calling the OSU Extension office at 419-213-4254 or emailing stone.91@osu.edu , and mention which location you would like to attend. If you aren’t able to attend, but are still looking for additional information on spotted lanternflies, check out updates on the Lucas County website or contact the office and we will be able to answer any questions that you may have.

So, keep those eyes peeled and be sure to report if you are seeing spotted lanternflies!

Amy Stone is an extension educator with the Ohio State Extension – Lucas County, Agriculture and Natural Resources. Contact her at: stone.91@osu.edu.