While we have posted BYGL alerts to encourage Ohioans to be on the look-out for signs and symptoms of a spotted lanternfly (SLF) (Lycorma delicatula (White)) infestation in the buckeye state, there is another tool that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) are using in locations associated with transportation opportunities the SLF might be utilizing to aid its movement (i.e., road side rest areas, truck stops, or near railways). We realize that although this insect can spread on its own, usually on a limited basis, the greatest threat is the artificial movement as a 'hitch-hiker.'
Because these traps have been placed and are being monitored in Ohio, we wanted to update you on the traps, in case you happen to see one, or you read about them online, and wonder if they are being used here.
In other areas where SLF populations are high in numbers (not in Ohio - at least yet), the traps are used as a managment tool as well. Because of this, PennState Extension has develop some resources to help residents build the traps as a tool to battle this invasive species. While we aren't suggesting that Ohioans build the traps for detection purposes, we continue to be on the look-out for the insect, and if you happen to see a circle trap while you are out and about, you know what you are looking at and the reason it has been placed in Ohio.
To learn more about circle traps for spotted lanternfly here are a wide variety of resources:
Circle Trap Informational Sheet from PennState University: https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-build-a-new-style-spotted-lanternfly-circle-trap
YouTube Video from PennState University Extension: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqCn5mdDCEk
Using Traps for SLF: https://extension.psu.edu/using-traps-for-spotted-lanternfly-management
We strongly encourage the continued visual surveillance by green industry professionals, Extension volunteers, and the public by identifying Ailanthus altissima or tree-of-heaven, and looking for the adult plant hoppers, SLF, indulging on their favorite host plant this time of the year. Observations can be recorded using the Great Lakes Early Detection Network (GLEDN) App. Photos of the tree-of-heaven, which is also an invasive species, can be reported as a positive suspect find. If you continue to monitor that tree or trees for the rest of the fall, you can make a negative report of SLF if the insect is not present. These reports, both positive and negative, help us to have a handle on who is looking for this insect and where surveillance is happening in Ohio.
The SLF adults will be active until temperatures drop and a hard freeze, or extended cold temperatures have been experienced. Hopefully, those types of weather conditions are still a little ways off - fingers crossed. In locations where this insect has been identified, they have begun to mate and are starting to lay eggs.
If you have been looking for this insect - thank you thank you thank you! The more eyes we have looking, the better we are equipped to find this invasive insect early in its infestation. If this is your first exposure to SLF, check out past BYGL Alerts about what to look for.
Spot the Spot - https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1684
Spotted Lanternfly Continues to Develop - https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1629
Be Alert for Spotted Lanternfly - https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1056
