Spotted Lanternfly Found in Illinois for the First Time

Thursday, September 28, 2023

The spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect native to eastern Asia, has been found in Illinois for the first time. The Illinois Department of Agriculture confirmed a population of the pests in Cook County on September 18, 2023. To help slow down the spread of the unwanted spotted lanternfly in Illinois, it's important for residents to stay alert and report any sightings of these pests. Here are the steps you can take to report and deal with spotted lanternfly problems:

• Recognize Spotted Lanternflies: Get to know what spotted lanternflies look like. Adult spotted lanternflies are about one inch long with gray wings, black spots, red wings with black spots and a white band, black heads, black legs, and yellow abdomens with black bands. They are easiest to see at dusk or at night when they move up and down plant trunks.

• Take Pictures and Make Notes: If you see a spotted lanternfly that you suspect, take clear pictures of it. Include as much information as you can, like the time, date, and where you saw it, and how many you saw.

• Report Sightings: Send the photos and information about your sighting to these places:

• Email: Send your photos and information to lanternfly@illinois.edu. • Phone: Get in touch with the Illinois Department of Agriculture at (815) 787-5476 if you have any questions or concerns.

• Local Extension Offices: You can also reach out to a local University of Illinois Extension office for help with identifying and reporting. Find your local Extension office at go.illinois.edu/ExtensionOffice.

• Follow Removal and Disposal Instructions: If you come across spotted lanternflies, it's important to get rid of them and prevent further infestations. Follow these steps:

• Crush nymphs and adult spotted lanternflies.

• Scrape egg masses into a container filled with rubbing alcohol.

Remember, early reporting and taking action are crucial to slowing down the spread of this unwelcome pest. While spotted lanternflies might not immediately harm humans or animals, they can damage various trees, including fruit, ornamental, and woody trees, and disrupt outdoor activities due to their messiness.

Invasive species like spotted lanternflies can have lasting effects on the environment and economy, so the cooperation of the public in watching out for and reporting sightings is very important. By following these steps, you can help with efforts to control and reduce the impact of spotted lanternflies in Illinois.