MDARD announces results of 2025 spotted lanternfly tracking efforts

New population confirmed in Jackson County

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has completed its 2025 spotted lanternfly monitoring efforts, confirming a new population in Jackson County thanks to a report submitted by an attentive Michigander through the Eyes in the Field reporting tool.

“Spotted lanternfly does not pose a risk to human or animal health, but it can be a serious outdoor nuisance,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “Public reporting plays a key role in identifying new spotted lanternfly infestations and helping MDARD and its partners respond quickly.”

As of November 2025, MDARD has confirmed spotted lanternfly populations in Jackson, Lenawee, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne Counties. Among other actions to slow the invasive insect’s spread, MDARD and its partners:

• Are evaluating potential spotted lanternfly quarantine measures,
• Conducted a spotted lanternfly survey of select Michigan shipping ports to look for potential hitchhikers,
• Introduced a new Invasive Species Watch List Viewer mapping tool to show where spotted lanternfly has been confirmed, and
• Continue to raise awareness, educate the public, monitor and track spotted lanternfly populations and collaborate with the horticulture industry to slow the pest’s spread.

Individuals in Michigan who find a spotted lanternfly egg mass, nymph or adult outside of a county with a confirmed population should:

• Take photos. Photos are necessary to verify a report and aid in identification.
• Provide details. Note the date, time and location of the sighting.
• Report it. Submit a report of your sighting online using the Eyes in the Field tool.

Individuals in Jackson, Lenawee, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland or Wayne County do not need to report sightings of spotted lanternfly. However, individuals who travel through these counties should check their vehicle and any items that have been outdoors for the presence of spotted lanternfly insects and egg masses and remove them before leaving.

For more information about identifying, reporting and managing spotted lanternfly, visit the State of Michigan’s spotted lanternfly website and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s spotted lanternfly web page.

More information about spotted lanternfly

Spotted lanternfly, an invasive species native to eastern Asia, was first detected in the United States in 2014. Since then, it has spread rapidly with confirmed populations in 17 states. The insect has distinct life stages:

• Nymphs (juvenile spotted lanternflies) are black with white spots, then become red with black spots as they develop.
• Adults are roughly 1-inch long and 1/2-inch wide.
• Their brown forewings have black spots at the front and are speckled towards the rear.
• When their wings are unfolded, their distinctive scarlet hindwings become visible.

Spotted lanternfly prefers to feed on the invasive tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but it also feeds on a wide range of plants including grapevines and trees such as black walnut, river birch, willow, sumac and red maple. When feeding, spotted lanternfly produces a sticky liquid called honeydew that can collect on the ground or surrounding vegetation. This results in the growth of sooty mold, which can discolor and kill plants.

There is currently no insecticide developed specifically for the spotted lanternfly. However, several general-use insecticides have proven effective against this pest. Research is ongoing into the effectiveness of various treatments and natural predators for spotted lanternfly. MDARD continues to monitor this work and will update our recommendations based on what is proven to be safe and effective.

Michigan's Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources.