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!
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
