First detected in Michigan in 2022, spotted lanternfly feeds on more than 70 plant species, with tree of heaven being a preferred host. Large populations can become a nuisance around homes and communities. This pest can also pose a threat to some crops, particularly grapes and hops.

As the insect continues to become established in Michigan, Michigan State University Extension researchers and educators are working with residents, growers and state and federal partners to detect new populations, slow its spread and help Michigan prepare for what may come next.

Sometimes that work starts with something as simple as a homemade trap wrapped around a tree.

A New Way to Trap Spotted Lanternfly

It looks a little like a lampshade when wrapped around a tree. That’s also where it gets its name.

MSU forestry entomology researchers Deborah McCullough and Tim Harrison are using a simple “lampshade” trap designed to attract female spotted lanternflies looking for protected places to lay their eggs.

The researchers began evaluating the design after a USDA colleague noticed spotted lanternfly females laying eggs on the rough surface of similar traps in heavily infested areas of Pennsylvania. McCullough and Harrison wanted to know whether females would show the same preference in areas with much lower populations.

They did. During the first two years of research, about 80% of the egg masses found at their study sites were laid on the lampshade traps, even when spotted lanternfly populations were low.

That makes the traps useful for more than simply catching egg masses. They can help detect spotted lanternfly near the edges of known infestations and show whether populations are increasing from year to year.

The traps are made from inexpensive, easy-to-find materials and designed to be something anyone can make themselves. McCullough and Harrison’s how-to guide for building and deploying a lampshade trap conveniently lists what to buy, where to find materials and gives step-by-step instructions for building and installing the finished trap.

The traps are put out in late summer, ideally on a tree of heaven. Traps can stay out through October or mid-November. Unlike other monitoring traps, they don’t require regular replacement of sticky material or collection bags. They also don’t require insecticides and, unlike sticky traps, don’t capture native insects.

At the end of the season, the trap material can be removed and egg masses soaked in soapy water before disposal, preventing the eggs from hatching the following spring. Each egg mass can contain 30 to 50 eggs.

The traps are not expected to eliminate spotted lanternfly, particularly as populations become larger. But McCullough said they could help delay that buildup.

“We know populations will continue to build and spread in Michigan,” she said. “Once spotted lanternfly densities are high, lampshade traps may not have much effect, but if we can push that time back by a few years, it’s worth it!”

“The lampshade traps are a great way for Michigan residents who are living in or near areas where spotted lanternfly is already present to help themselves,” McCullough says. “People who like DIY projects can set up one or more lampshade traps on trees on their own property, especially if tree of heaven is on their land or nearby.”

Preparing Michigan Vineyards

Michigan has more than 13,000 acres of vineyards, and the state’s grape and wine industry has an economic impact of $9 billion, making the arrival and spread of spotted lanternfly more than an insect issue. It could become an economic problem.

Michigan, however, has time to prepare.

MSU Extension berry crops entomologist Rufus Isaacs and other fruit specialists and Extension educators have been working to help growers recognize spotted lanternfly, monitor vineyards and surrounding areas and understand what its arrival could mean for Michigan farms.

“The recent detection of spotted lanternfly in southwest Michigan is a new region of the state and in a county with many grape growers,” Isaacs says. “Thankfully, these spotted lanternflies were found in a park and not on a crop, but growers should continue to monitor for this invasive pest on tree of heaven and their grapevines as they go about their fall activities.”

Isaacs also advises growers to report any spotted lanternfly detections through DNR’s Eyes in the Field or to their local MSU Extension office.

The goal is to catch new movement of this pest early so growers can respond to protect their crops.

Read the full report, including MSU’s work at community preparedness and outreach here.

— Story contributed by the Michigan State University Extension.