Attention Michigan Residents: The Spotted Lanternfly is Here!
As we all enjoy the beautiful transformation of our surroundings with crimson reds, bright oranges, and sunny yellows, there’s a new visitor making waves this fall. The spotted lanternfly has found its way to our lovely state of Michigan, and while it may look pretty, it’s anything but friendly to our gardens, parks, and farmland.
A Growing Concern
Originally spotted on the eastern seaboard, this invasive bug has made its way to Michigan, specifically in areas like Oakland, Monroe, and Wayne counties. As we get into the heart of fall, many of us are curious about what’s being done to combat this pesky intruder. Local authorities and entomologists are working tirelessly to protect our beloved natural spaces.
Meet the Intruder
The spotted lanternfly isn’t interested in harming people, but it is a serious threat to our flora. It has a voracious appetite for over 70 types of plants and trees, with a particular fondness for the tree of heaven, an invasive species itself. The real kicker is that when these bugs feed, they produce a sticky excretion that can lead to sooty mold. This mold can hinder plants from photosynthesizing, making it even harder for our plant friends to thrive.
In the Field: Traps and Monitoring
We caught up with Lindsay Patrick, an invasive species coordinator for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. She explained the steps they are taking to monitor the spotted lanternfly population. “The traps are for monitoring,” she said, while showing us how these traps catch any spotted lanternflies crawling up the tree bark. This helps keep tabs on just how many of these pests are lurking around.
Interestingly, trap trees are also being treated with special insecticides to help in the fight against these critters. With a short lifespan, spotted lanternflies typically lay their egg masses in the fall before succumbing to the colder temperatures. This means we need to be especially vigilant during this season.
On the Move
You might be wondering how these uninvited guests are arriving in new areas. It turns out, they don’t fly very well at all! Instead, they like to hitch a ride on people and their belongings. Egg masses can be found on smooth surfaces—think cars, trees, building materials, and even outdoor furniture.
A Call to Action
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has kicked off a campaign dubbed “See it, squish it, report it.” It’s pretty simple: if you spot one of these lanternflies, document it with a quick photo before taking the plunge and squishing it. This helps the authorities get a grasp on where these pests are popping up, which, in turn, helps with management efforts.
Identifying the Enemy
So, how can you spot these little nuisances? Look for the famous tree of heaven. If the leaves are notched and you get a whiff of something that smells like rotten peanut butter when you snap a leaf in half, you’ve likely found one. And where you find this tree, there’s a good chance you’ll find spotted lanternflies nearby too.
In Closing
As we soak in the seasonal beauty Michigan offers, let’s stay aware of the challenges that lurk, even among the leaves. The spotted lanternfly may be pretty to look at, but it presents a real threat to our ecosystem. Together, with a little help from every resident, we can keep Michigan beautiful and its gardens happy and healthy!
