Spotted Lanternflies are an invasive insect that is native to China. They were first found in Pennsylvania in 2014. They have several life stages, going from egg to multiple nymph stages to an egg-laying adult in about a year. They can't fly very well, but they tend to catch rides on cars or lumber and can travel large distances through that.

Spotted Lanternflies cause damage to the host plants by feeding on the sap. Young nymphs can be found on small vines and other shrubs, and as they mature, they migrate to the tree of heaven. A consequence of their feeding behaviors is the flies release of honeydew, a sugary liquid, as waste. The honeydew molds, which can kill the tree, as well as attract other insects like wasps, flies, and ants, which can bring problems associated with those species. Death of native and ornamental trees can result due to the Spotted Lanternflies. Spotted Lanternflies can also have a negative impact on the agriculture industries of grapes, apple, hops, and hardwood which would result in a large economic impact.

The spotted lantern fly is currently on Michigan’s invasive species watch list, meaning they pose a potential or immediate threat to the environment, economy, and/or people. A population has been confirmed in Oakland County by the US Department of Agriculture on August 10th, 2022. According to Gary McDowell, the director of Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the spotted lantern fly could be detrimental to Michigan’s grape industry, as their habits of feeding on grape vines damages the plant. Additionally, the invasive flies like to feed on native trees such as apple, black walnut, sumac, and red maple, which could have an effect on the biodiversity of Michigan’s forests. The wasps and other pest insects attracted by the released honeydew could also cause problems for recreational activities.

If you believe you have identified a spotted lantern fly, it is very important to report them right away online or by calling 1-888-4BADFLY. Aside from reporting, you should also kill them! You simply can do this by squashing them. Same with eggs or any other life stage. Check your car or other vehicles for the bugs if you are interstate traveling, as they like to hitch rides and can travel very long distances.

In the past, the federal government has taken this issue very seriously. In 2017, $2.9 million in federal dollars was spent in attempt to fight the spotted lantern flies. A year later, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) dedicated $17.5 million to getting rid of the problem. The issue at hand is more serious than the public may understand. Penn State University constructed a study which revealed that if not contained, the spotted lantern fly could drain Pennsylvania of at least $324 million annually and cause the loss of about 2,800 jobs.