Indiana homesteaders, keep your eyes on your walnut, oak, maple and fruit trees. This week, the spotted lanternfly was found for the first time in Switzerland County. This is significant not just for Indianans, but for Americans in general as Switzerland County represents the furthest west the fly has yet been found.
A homeowner in Vevay contacted DNR’s Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology (DEPP) with a picture that was taken outside his home of a fourth instar–or developmental stage–larvae. DEPP staff surveyed the site and discovered an infestation in the woodlot adjacent to a few homes in the area. The site is within 2 miles of the Ohio River and the Markland Dam. DEPP and USDA are conducting an investigation to determine exactly how large the infestation is and where it could have come from, as well as how to limit the spread and eradicate the population.
Spotted lanternfly is a planthopper originating in Asia, and first discovered in the United States in2014, in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture tried to limit the spread of this pest, but it excels at being a hitchhiker and is often spread unknowingly by humans.
Adult spotted lanternfly has two sets of wings, and the underwing has a very distinct red color with spots on the outer wings. The fourth instar of the insect is bright red with black and white markings. The egg masses of this invasive insect look like mud and can be spread by vehicle transport including recreational vehicles, cargo carriers (truck transport) and freight trains. They can also be spread through trade materials sold in infested areas that are shipped out of state including nursery stock, outdoor furniture, lumber, etc. Anyone receiving goods from the east coast should inspect for signs of the insect, especially if the commodity is to be (or has been) kept outdoors.
Spotted lanternfly prefers to feed on tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but it has been found on more than 103 species of plant, including various fruit trees, and can often be spotted on grapevines in vineyards. Adult insects have piercing, sucking mouthparts and weaken the plants through feeding on them, which makes it difficult for the plant to survive the winter months. Congregating spotted lanternfly insects produce a sticky substance called “honeydew” in large quantities, that over time becomes infested with sooty mold that attracts other pests in the area.
The Indiana DNR is asking for all citizens to keep an eye out for spotted lanternfly. The bright color of both the last instars and the adults of the insect should be present at this time of the year. Anyone that spots signs of the spotted lanternfly should contact DEPP by calling 866-NO EXOTIC (866-663-9684) or send an email to DEPP@dnr.IN.gov. For more information on this or other invasive pests see the following link in.gov/dnr/entomology/pests-of-concern/spotted-lanternfly/
A humble homesteader based in an undisclosed location, Lars Drecker splits his time between tending his little slice of self-sustaining heaven, and bothering his neighbors to do his work for him. This is mainly the fault of a debilitating predilection for fishing, hunting, camping and all other things outdoors. When not engaged in any of the above activities, you can normally find him broken down on the side of the road, in some piece of junk he just “fixed-up.”
Hershey says
Just a reminder you can do organic (scrape masses into rubbing alcohol, neem oil or insecticidal soaps, sticky fly paperģchicken wire TSC, swatting or mashing, salt gun, dawn soap/water pump or bottle spray)
&/or pesticides (Sevin, Fall Bonide tree soak), to rid these from your property. If you use sticky fly paper like at TSC, please put chicken wire over top. Too many birds/animals have been caught on these traps. Big box store, Sevin concentrate/hose end & a hand held pump or ortho garden hose. Finally fall Bonide Tree Soak (do not use near water ways especially homes with wells) but has worked on my 1/4 acre. (read directions)
Best of luck from Central PA
Big Al 45 says
Indianans?????
As one born and raised, we’re called ‘Hoosiers’. Please make a note of that.