06/30/2026
🚨 Unfortunately, we have some concerning news for Marion County. 🚨
To the best of our knowledge, the spotted lanternfly has now been found in the northern portion of Marion County.
While this insect may look beautiful with its bright colors and striking patterns, don’t let its appearance fool you, it is a highly invasive species that poses a serious threat to our environment, agriculture, and local economy. The insect pictured here is the nymph stage, but the adults are even more colorful with gray wings covered in black spots and brilliant red hindwings.
Spotted lanternflies feed by piercing plants and sucking out their sap. They attack more than 70 species of plants, including grapes, apples, hops, maple trees, black walnut, and many other native and ornamental trees. As they feed, they leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew, which encourages the growth of black sooty mold. This mold can weaken plants, reduce crop production, and create a sticky mess on patios, vehicles, outdoor furniture, and playground equipment.
Although spotted lanternflies do not bite or sting people and are not known to spread diseases, they can become overwhelming in large numbers, making outdoor spaces unpleasant and threatening Ohio’s forests, vineyards, orchards, and landscaping. Like the emerald ash borer, this invasive insect has the potential to cause significant ecological and economic damage if its populations continue to grow unchecked.
What can you do to help?
✅ Learn to identify the spotted lanternfly in all life stages.
✅ If you see one, take a clear photo and note the location.
✅ Report sightings to your local Extension office or the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
✅ Check vehicles, trailers, campers, firewood, outdoor furniture, and other equipment before traveling, as these insects and their egg masses can easily hitch a ride.
✅ Scrape egg masses into a container filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to destroy them.
✅ If it is safe to do so, squash any spotted lanternflies you find.
This sighting has already been reported to the Marion County Extension Office, which has forwarded the information to the Ohio Department of Agriculture for further investigation and monitoring.
👀 Have you seen a spotted lanternfly anywhere in Marion County? If so, let us know in the comments or share a photo and location. Community observations are one of the best tools we have for tracking invasive species.
Together, we can help slow the spread and protect Ohio’s forests, farms, and natural areas. 🌳🦋
