Home / Environment / Spotted Lanternflies Invade Cincinnati Parks!
Spotted Lanternflies Invade Cincinnati Parks!
17 Jul
Summary
- Spotted lanternflies have emerged across Ohio, including Cincinnati.
- The invasive insects feed on tree sap, damaging plants and crops.
- Ohio has quarantined the invasive species, restricting plant movement.
Spotted lanternflies, a non-native invasive planthopper, have reappeared in Cincinnati, Ohio, with confirmed sightings across the state. Cincinnati Parks announced their emergence on July 15, 2026. These insects, native to Asia, first appeared in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014 and were found in Eastern Ohio in 2020.
They feed on the sap of various plants, including fruit trees and grapes, and their "honeydew" excretion can foster sooty mold, which harms plants. The nymphs are small, black with white spots, while adults have black bodies with striking red and grey wings.
Ohio has placed these insects under a statewide quarantine, designating them as destructive plant pests. This measure restricts the movement of products like trees and nursery stock out of the state without proper permits.
Cincinnati is managing the infestation by removing preferred host trees, such as the Tree of Heaven, and using herbicide treatments. Residents are encouraged to kill spotted lanternflies and their egg masses, reporting any sightings to the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Insecticide use should be cautious, avoiding application during blooming periods to protect pollinators.
