'Moderately Populated' Area Of Spotted Lanternfly Found In IL

SPRINGFIELD, IL — The first detection of the spotted lanternfly has been confirmed in Illinois after a sighting of an adult species of the insect was reported earlier this month, the Illinois Department of Agriculture said on Tuesday.

Following the sighting, local, state and federal officials coordinated a site visit and found a moderately populated area of spotted lanternflies in the area, which was not identified in a news release issued by the department of agriculture.

Officials said that specimens were collected and submitted for identification, and confirmatory results were received on Tuesday. The spotted lanternfly does not present any human or animal health concerns, officials said.

"If there is a silver lining associated with spotted lantern fly in Illinois, it is that we have no reason to believe that widespread plant or tree death will result from its presence," Scott Schirmer, Illinois Department of Agriculture's Nursery and Northern Field Office section manager said in the release. "This is likely going to be a nuisance pest that interferes with our ability to enjoy outdoor spaces and may have some impact on the agritourism industry, including orchards, pumpkin patches, and vineyards."

The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive plant hopper native to eastern Asia. First found in the U.S. in southeastern Pennsylvania in 2014, the insects have continued to spread throughout the eastern U.S. and recently into the Midwest. Confirmed identifications of spotted lanternfly have been recorded in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio, in addition to some eastern and southeastern states.

SLF feeds on a wide variety of plants, including a strong affinity to the invasive tree of heaven, grapes (both wild and cultivated), and maple trees. These plants should be targeted for any monitoring activities. When feeding, SLF produces honeydew which is a sticky liquid that often coats or accumulates on the foliage and other parts of plants.

If spotted lanternfly are detected by residents, officials said they should take the following steps:

• Report sightings - If residents see spotted lanternfly or suspect it, report it to lanternfly@illinois.edu. A fact sheet, including photos, is available through the University of Illinois Extension.
• Remove and destroy pests - Crush nymphs and adults, scrape egg masses into a container with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to kill them. Remember to take photos first, and report this.
• Check your vehicles, boat, camper, outdoor articles, etc. - Before leaving an area, do a quick inspection for any life stages. Destroy any eggs or insects found.
• Keep eyes open and spread the word (not the pest) - Officials say they need the public's help to look for and report this pest, and to also strengthen the outreach about it. It will likely impact everyone in Illinois one way or another, so the more awareness we have the better.