MDARD: What to Do If You See Spotted Lanternfly this Summer

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding Michiganders to be on the lookout for the invasive spotted lanternfly. 

“Spotted lanternfly is a persistent nuisance in outdoor spaces,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “By staying informed and reporting sightings in areas without confirmed populations, Michiganders play a vital role in supporting our collective efforts to slow the spread of this invasive pest and safeguard the environment.” 

As of July 2025, spotted lanternfly populations have been confirmed across southeastern Michigan, including parts of Lenawee, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties. Residents of these counties do not need to report sightings, but should:  

• Stay calm. Spotted lanternfly does not pose a risk to human or animal health. 

• Consider contacting an arborist who is a certified pesticide applicator for information about appropriate treatment methods if there is a large infestation on your property. 

• Focus pest management in areas where spotted lanternfly is most abundant. 

• Be diligent if you choose to apply pesticide yourself. Always follow the instructions on the pesticide label and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.  

Michiganders who live in areas without confirmed populations 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. 

Spotted lanternfly has several easily recognizable life stages. Juvenile lanternflies, or nymphs, are black with white spots and later develop red patches. Adults are about one inch long and half an inch wide, with tan wings adorned with black spots. When adult spotted lanternflies spread their wings, their striking red and black hindwings become visible. 

Spotted lanternfly prefers to feed on the invasive tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but can feed on more than 70 other trees and plants that may be found in landscapes or gardens. The insects, which feed by sucking sap from host plants, secrete large amounts of honeydew, which is sugar-rich water from the host plant. Black sooty mold then grows on the honeydew, which affects the appearance of plants, sidewalks and other outdoor surfaces. Honeydew often attracts other pests like yellow jackets, flies, and ants, which can be unpleasant for residents.

Originally detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, spotted lanternfly has since spread to 18 states. Despite ongoing suppression efforts, spotted lanternfly has proven difficult to contain and continues to expand its range.

Since the first detection of spotted lanternfly in Michigan in 2022, MDARD and its local and regional partners, including Michigan State University Extension, Michigan’s Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, have assisted in monitoring over 100 locations across the western and southern parts of the state.

“Spotted lanternfly is an unwelcome invader that will annoy residents in areas with high populations. Fortunately, it does not seriously harm its host trees, nor will it bite or sting people or animals,” said Professor Deb McCullough of the Michigan State University Departments of Entomology and Forestry. “In Michigan, we have a true team effort between state agencies, researchers, local partners, and the public. We can all play a role in helping to detect new spotted lanternfly infestations and slowing the spread of this invader.”

For additional information on identifying, reporting, and managing spotted lanternfly, visit Michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly. You can also learn more at USDA’s spotted lanternfly website found at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/slf.

For Media: B-roll of spotted lanternfly and photos of spotted lanternfly

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Photo of an adult spotted lanternfly on a leaf. Photo credit: MDARD

Photo of an adult spotted lanternfly with its wings spread. Photo credit: MDARD