Move over, midges and mayflies, a new bug has taken over Cleveland summers and falls — the spotted lanternfly (SLF). Residents across Ohio and in neighboring states have increasingly reported sightings of this distinct species, and you’re not imagining its growing prevalence. The bug was first seen in the Buckeye State in 2020.

Native to Asia, experts believe the flies, dubbed “Bad Bugs,” first traveled to America via imported goods, appearing in Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, the spotted lantern fly has been top of mind for governments in 17 states as well as for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

That’s because the invasive species causes irreversible damage to native crops, plants and trees. Ohio, which has legally designated the SLF as a destructive plant pest, is especially worried about damage to grape and apple crops as well as hardwood trees. Twelve Ohio counties are currently quarantined for SLF infestations. The movement of plants and produce out of these counties is regulated.

While these insects don’t pose an immediate threat to humans or animals in the way of bites, stings, venom or disease, local, state and national government entities encourage residents to kill the bad bugs to protect wine, fruit, garden and timber industries.

Life cycle of spotted lanternflies

From egg to adult, SLFs have a lifespan of about one year. Clevelanders began noticing the earliest stage of the bug, the nymph, in the late spring. Adult SLFs reach maturity by the end of June. These fully grown bugs took over Cleveland in July and August.

Now, it is less common to see an adult lanternfly around town as they reach the end of their life cycle, but keep your eye out for SLF egg masses. The waxy gray egg masses are usually found on covered trees, buildings or even outdoor furniture.

State and federal agriculture departments have released tips on how to kill the egg masses before nymphs hatch. After locating egg masses, which are often seen on trees, stone and brick buildings or other smooth surfaces, take a knife or credit card and scrape the mass into a plastic bag with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol in it to kill the organisms. Then, throw the bag in the outdoor trash can.

Before disposing, residents are asked to take a picture and report the egg mass sighting to the state.

How to report a spotted lanternfly

Spotted lanternflies are on the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s most wanted list, according to the title page of the Ohio Plant Pest Reporter. When you visit the page, you will be asked to provide:

• Observation date
• Your name
• Phone number
• Picture of a spotted lanternfly sighting
• Address where the bug was observed OR your home address
• Description of the pest/habitat