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By Unity Powell
The Cleveland Observer
While walking through the University Circle neighborhood, some children were at a park chasing a bug. Ah, kids enjoying the outdoors, But then I heard one of them say, “Yeah, you gotta squish it!” Intrigued, I walked over to see what the commotion was about. The kids pointed at a red and black, polka-dotted bug I had never seen before. It looked like a butterfly at first, but on closer inspection, maybe more of a moth, and there were several more of them fluttering around.
The children excitedly told me they’d learned in school that these bugs are causing big problems in the city. Their teachers had taught them that if they see one, they have to squish it. These aren’t just any bugs — they are spotted lanternflies, and they’re quickly becoming a major concern across Ohio.
Depending on your vantage point, these spotted lantern flies may be attractive or scary. Connie Hausman, Senior Conservation Science Manager at Cleveland Metroparks, explained how they’re working to control the spread of this invasive species.
“When you see it, just squish it,” Hausman said without mincing words. It might sound harsh, but the spotted lanternfly is a serious issue.
First seen in Pennsylvania around 2014, the spotted lanternfly hit Ohio in 2021. Originally from Asia, the insects likely made their way to North America through shipping materials, and they’ve been slowly spreading ever since. Hausman explains that they’ve been bracing for its arrival for years.
“We’ve been identifying where the Tree of Heaven, the lanternfly’s favorite host, grows so we could keep an eye out,” Hausman said.
So, why the call to “just squish it?” Well, it turns out the spotted lanternfly is a master hitchhiker.
“These little guys can travel long distances,” Hausman said. “They’ll hop onto cars, trucks, or anything else that moves, and before you know it, they’ve made it across state lines.”
Once they settle in, the lanternflies can stress out trees by sucking out the sap, leaving them vulnerable. They love to feed on grapevines, apple trees and hops — crops that are big business in Ohio. Hausman explained that “we’re particularly concerned about how they might affect Ohio’s vineyards and orchards.”
Though lanternflies don’t bite or sting humans, their overwhelming numbers can make outdoor activities a lot less enjoyable.
“Imagine thousands of these bugs buzzing around while you’re trying to enjoy a nice day outside,” Hausman said. Beyond the annoyance, spotted lanternflies leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew, which creates a mess and attracts other pests, like wasps.
Megan Hart, a biologist with Lake Metroparks, said they are also closely monitoring the situation. While Lake Metroparks had its first confirmed sighting in August, Hart is already taking steps to prevent the bugs from spreading further.
“We’ve been removing the Tree of Heaven, which is one of their favorite trees to feed on,” Hart explained. “It’s an invasive species itself, so we’re tackling two problems at once by getting rid of it.”
Both experts agree that the spotted lanternfly poses a threat not only to agriculture but also to native plants. “They can feed on our native grapevines and even maple trees,” Hart said. “While we haven’t seen much damage yet, we expect that to change as the population grows.”
The Ohio Department of Agriculture has been tracking the spread of the spotted lanternfly and has implemented quarantines to stop the bug from traveling beyond certain areas. But, as Hausman points out, the public plays a big role in controlling the spread as well. “Check your car before you leave an area where you might’ve seen these bugs,” she advises. “And if you see one, don’t hesitate to squish it.”
With the bugs now in their adult stage, they’re preparing to lay eggs in October, which could mean even more lanternflies next year if left unchecked.
“We need to act now,” Hart urges. “The more we can control their numbers, the less damage we’ll see down the line.”
Despite the challenges, both Hart and Hausman are hopeful that with a combination of park management efforts and community involvement, Ohio can stay ahead of the problem.
“People have been great about reporting sightings, and that makes a huge difference,” Hausman said. “Together, we can manage this.”
So, it turns out the children were right and already doing their part to help protect Ohio’s environment. It’s not every day that a simple action like squishing a bug can make such a difference, but in this case, it really does.
Update: Quarantines are in effect in 12 Ohio counties, 4 of them in Northeast Ohio: Cuyahoga, Lorain, Columbiana and Mahoning as of this article, September 2024.
