Invasive spotted lanternfly continues spread across US. Here’s why you should kill it

The invasive spotted lanternfly first discovered in the United States in 2014 is continuing its spread and has now been spotted in Illinois for the first time.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture said in a Tuesday, Sept. 26, news release “a moderately populated area of spotted lanternfly” was discovered Sept. 18. Officials did not say where in the state the insect was found.

Native to eastern Asia, the spotted lanternfly was found in southeastern Pennsylvania in 2014 and has spread throughout the east. Officials said recent sightings have been confirmed in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.

It’s now been found in at least 15 states, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

The bug is 1 inch long and a half-inch wide while resting. It features a gray forewing with black spots, with red, black and white on its hind wings. The insect’s abdomen is yellow with ”broad black bands.”

What makes the spotted lanternfly a nuisance?

The spotted lanternfly is not harmful to humans, but it can still be a pest to other life. The bug is considered a threat to fruit crops and trees, officials said.

Grapes, cherries, almonds, apples and several types of trees — including maple, oak and poplar trees — are all at risk, according to the USDA.

“The spotted lanternfly causes serious damage including oozing sap, wilting, leaf curling and dieback in trees, vines, crops and many other types of plants,” the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture said.

It’s not believed the discovery of the insect will lead to widespread plant or tree death in Illinois, however.

“This is likely going to be a nuisance pest that interferes with our ability to enjoy outdoor spaces and may have some impact on the agritourism industry, including orchards, pumpkin patches, and vineyards,” said Scott Schirmer with the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

What to do if you see a spotted lanternfly

The first thing you should do if you believe you see a spotted lanternfly in Illinois is to take pictures of it and report it to lanternfly@illinois.edu.

After that — kill it on sight.

“Kill it! Squash it, smash it...just get rid of it,” Pennsylvania officials said. “In the fall, these bugs will lay egg masses with 30-50 eggs each. These are called bad bugs for a reason, don’t let them take over your county next.”

Officials say the bug can lay eggs on surfaces such as cars, trailers and outdoor furniture. Destroy these eggs if they’re discovered.

Illinois officials said efforts are being undertaken to understand how the insect ended up in Illinois and where it could go next.

This story was originally published September 27, 2023 at 10:22 AM with the headline "Invasive spotted lanternfly continues spread across US. Here’s why you should kill it."