Spotted lanternfly has spread to Illinois, threatening trees and crops

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Spotted Lanternfly Presence Detected in Illinois, Posing Threat to Vegetation and Agriculture

Illinois, the latest state to detect the invasive spotted lanternfly, has now joined the ranks of regions grappling with this winged pest’s rapid expansion across the eastern United States. First identified nearly a decade ago within the country’s borders, these hitchhiking insects and their eggs have been inadvertently transported via vehicles and trains, spreading from southeast Pennsylvania to various corners of the nation.

Despite the spotted lanternfly’s visually striking appearance, featuring distinctive black spots and vibrant red wing markings, this sap-sucking insect has a voracious appetite for mass feeding on plants. Subsequently, it secretes a sticky, sugary substance known as honeydew, which attracts other insects and fosters the growth of a sooty mold variety. This mold, in turn, can further weaken the affected plants, presenting a substantial threat to crops and indigenous trees. The residue from their activities can also accumulate on houses, decks, and outdoor furniture.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture recently received a sighting report of one of these winged adult insects on September 16 at an undisclosed location. Upon investigation, department personnel identified a “moderately populated area of spotted lanternfly.” After collecting specimens, officials confirmed that these are indeed the first spotted lanternflies identified in the state.

While it is not anticipated that these insects will cause “widespread plant or tree death” in Illinois, they are likely to become a nuisance pest. This could potentially impact the agritourism sector, including orchards, pumpkin patches, and vineyards, according to Scott Schirmer, the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Nursery and Northern Field Office Section Manager.

Individuals who encounter these insects are encouraged to either crush them or carefully remove and place their egg masses into a container filled with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to ensure their elimination.

Originating from eastern Asia, the spotted lanternfly had previously been confirmed in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and various parts of the southeastern United States. Jerry Costello II, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, noted, “Spotted lanternfly has been inching closer to the Midwest and Illinois for close to a decade.”

Members of the public can contribute to tracking these insects by promptly reporting any sightings, along with photographic evidence, to [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Invasive Pest Detection Illinois

More about Invasive Pest Detection Illinois

• Spotted Lanternfly Information – Illinois Department of Agriculture
• USDA Spotted Lanternfly Information
• Report Spotted Lanternfly Sightings – [email protected]