Experts warn of pests that are in breeding season

CANFIELD, Ohio (WKBN) – The spotted lanternfly has been bugging out locals, and now 12 counties in Ohio are under quarantine against the invasive species.

The insects are native to Asia. They were first spotted in the U.S. around 2016. They are found on a variety of plants, causing them to wilt and die. They’re particularly fond of the tree of heaven but also damage grapes at local vineyards.

Columbiana and Mahoning counties are now under quarantine as the pest enters its breeding season.

“We started seeing the travel aligned with our railways. They would lay their egg masses or hitchhike on rail cars and that could take them a fairly decent distance,” said Haley Shoemaker, an OSU Extension educator. “The general guidelines are if you see one, stomp on it or squish it. It’s not going to hurt you. it’s just somethng we don’t want to see continue to expand with their population if we can help it at all.”

Experts say they don’t pose any threat to humans or pets.

Right now, there’s no treatment or fix to prevent the spread of the pest.

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