Spotted lanternflies have made their way to northern Indiana and Michigan

 

If you're planning to be outside in the near future and happen to see a red, white, and black polka dotted bug, it may be a spotted lanternfly, a new pest that has made its way to northern Indiana and Michigan this summer.

This bug is native to China and is thought to have first arrived in the US by cargo ship in 2014. Most infestations have stayed near the northeastern coast, mainly in Pennsylvania and New York through 2020, before expanding to more states in the past couple years.

The spotted lanternfly was first identified in southern Indiana in Switzerland County July 2021, but was recently spotted in late July in Huntington, Indiana, less than 70 miles from us here in South Bend. Last Wednesday, a small population of these bugs was found in southeastern Michigan in Oakland County.

These pests don't hurt people, but they do have a massive indirect effect on us.

Spotted lanternflies pose a large threat to the logging industry, agriculture, and the wine and grape industry. Especially in southwestern Michigan, the wine and grape industry is a thriving one, and one that is very important to the local economy. With spotted lanternflies able to feed on over 70 types of plants - including grapes - this industry and other forms of local agriculture can be badly harmed. The fluid that these flies give off is very sweet which can cause the plants they feed on to mold and rot.

In Pennsylvania, where these pests were first found, it's estimated that spotted lanternflies cost the state around $300 million per year. With these insects able to cause such a large, negative community impact, it's important that we stop the problem as soon as possible.

Although we haven't seen spotted lanternflies in Michiana yet, it's better for us to be aware so that if you do see one, you'll know what to do and where to report it.

Experts in entomology - or the study of insects - recommend that if you see a spotted lanternfly, you kill it right away. As harsh as it sounds, getting rid of the problem at its source can really help us down the road. Many parks in areas with high infestation rates have come out saying that the problem is too big for them to solve and have asked for help from residents of the area.

If you see a spotted lanternfly, make sure to report it to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources or DNR. You can do this by phone by calling 866-NO EXOTIC (866-663-9684) or by sending an email [email protected], pictures are appreciated but not necessary.