Spotted lanternfly resources from MSU Extension

Rufus Isaacs<isaacsr@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Department of Entomology, and Erin Lizotte<taylo548@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

Learn about this invasive species with these publications by the experts at Michigan State University.

A spotted lanternfly adult perched on a tree limb.
Adult spotted lanternfly perched on a branch of a tree of heaven. Photo by Deb McCullough, MSU.

The Jan. 13, 2025, announcement from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development describing detections of spotted lanternfly (SLF) in two additional counties (Macomb and Lenawee) in southeast Michigan brings the total number of counties with confirmed infestations to five. Established infestations of this pest have now been identified in Macomb, Lenawee, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties, with small and isolated populations detected feeding on trees. To date, surveys in other regions of Michigan have not identified the presence of spotted lanternfly. Everyone can assist with monitoring for this invasive pest by reporting any suspected detections via the Eyes in The Field website.

Although spotted lanternfly can feed on many tree species and grapevines, tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is by far the most highly preferred host of spotted lanternfly. Targeted scouting for spotted lanternfly egg masses on tree of heaven, nearby trees or other hard materials such as rocks or bricks is one good strategy to focus efforts. 

Michigan State University Extension (MSU Extension) has developed information and guides to help people identify this pest and prepare for its arrival. These guides are available online at the MSU Extension Spotted Lanternfly website. Some of the materials are tailored to different audiences, such as:

 
 
 

In 2025, monitoring programs run by MSU and MSU Extension, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the State of Michigan and local cooperative invasive species programs will continue to search for this invasive insect pest in parks, wooded areas, rest stops and other potential sites.

We encourage everyone to follow the three important steps for SLF: See It, Squish It, and Report It.

Updates and additional resources developed this year will be posted online at the MSU Extension Spotted Lanternfly website.

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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