(CBS DETROIT) — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced Wednesday that a spotted lanternfly has been found in Wayne County.
Officials said an extensive survey of 20 counties detected the invasive insect in Wayne County. Additional populations were detected in Monroe and Oakland counties.
“These research efforts are critical in our effort to slow the spread of the spotted lanternfly, which can be a nuisance to Michigan residents and a concern to fruit growers,” Steve Carlson, director of MDARD’s Division of Pesticides and Plant Pest Management, said in a statement. “MDARD’s proactive approach to collecting data through targeted surveys and working with our state and local partners is essential to helping contain the spread of this pest.”
Thanks to Monroe Conservation District
Officials say the insect feeds on more than 70 different plants, including grapevines and hardwood trees. It can also suck sap from host plants and produce large amounts of a sticky fluid that kills plants and dirty surfaces. The young, called nymphs, are usually found in early summer, while the adult lanternfly is usually found in late summer.
Officials advise residents to crush and report the insectLast year, the Michigan Invasive Species Program launched the “See it. Squish it. Report” campaign to help prevent the insects from multiplying.
How can you prevent the spread of the spotted lanternfly?
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development gave the following tips to prevent further spread of the insect.
- Check your vehicle: Before leaving, check vehicles for spotted lanternfly eggs or insects. Check doors, sides, bumpers, wheel wells, grilles and roofs and destroy any eggs or insects you find.
- Parking with closed windows: The insect can enter vehicles unnoticed. Make sure to keep windows closed when parked.
- Remove and destroy pests: Crush nymphs and adults. Scrape egg masses into a plastic bag with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to kill them.
- Report observations: Submit reports with photos to the Eyes in the Field system. Photos are needed to verify a report and to assist with identification.
