The battle against the spotted lanternfly intensifies in Michigan, as Wayne County becomes the latest front in the fight against this invasive species. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed that the species had been detected in the area, with additional sightings reported in Monroe and Oakland counties.
"These surveying efforts are crucial in our effort to slow the spread of spotted lanternfly, which can be nuisance to Michiganders and is a source of concern for fruit growers," Steve Carlson, MDARD pesticide and plant pest management division director, said in a statement obtained by CBS News Detroit. An extensive survey across 20 counties, in collaboration with the USDA, highlights the growing concern surrounding this pest, which has been affecting various states since its 2014 introduction in Pennsylvania. Notorious for its appetite, the lanternfly targets over 70 different plants, including economically critical crops like grape vines.
Michigan's response includes a "See it. Squish it. Report." campaign, encouraging residents to play a part in containing the spread. Furthermore, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has issued guidelines to help the public identify and remove this pest from vehicles, prevent its spread through vigilance, and report any sightings, citing the importance of photographs for verification. With over 100 monitoring locations across the state, the efforts include collaboration with Michigan State University and various Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs), as per Michigan Invasive Species website.
According to FOX 2 Detroit, the spotted lanternfly has already taken hold in 17 states, and the establishment in Monroe, and Oakland signals a worrying trend for Michigan's agriculture and natural landscapes. The pest's diet includes a range of native plants and is also known to excrete a sticky liquid that leads to sooty mold growth, causing further plant damage.
Efforts to contain the spotted lanternfly are ongoing, with state officials emphasizing the critical role of public awareness and engagement. "Moving forward, MDARD will continue to work with our state and local partners to identify and monitor spotted lanternfly populations across Michigan," Steve Carlson shared in a comment highlighted by the Michigan Invasive Species website.
