Bug Invasion in Three Years? Experts Sound the Alarm for Michigan

I'm sure no one in Michigan wants to hear this, but it sounds like we might be on the brink of another invasive pest invasion. This nasty nuisance is creeping north, and Michigan’s backyards and farms could soon feel the impact.

This messy bug is known to swarm plants and trees, leaving behind a sticky sap that attracts wasps and yellow jackets and causes mold to grow—basically, making a huge mess for anyone nearby. The last thing we need is a pest that draws in even more wasps and yellow jackets.

According to MLive, the spotted lanternfly is moving north into Michigan from Toledo. Technically, they tried to make their mark a couple of years ago in Pontiac but were contained and eliminated. Well, they’re back this year and have popped up in several Michigan counties.

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Experts claim that if we don’t get a handle on this fast, we could be looking at a full-blown pest invasion in the next few years. It might sound like an exaggeration, but it’s not—just ask residents in Ohio, who endured the same issues a decade ago.

The good news is they don't harm people physically and they don't cause structural damage. However, they’re still a huge nuisance, damaging plants and trees and creating a sticky mess wherever they go.

What Do Spotted Lanternflies Feed On?

MLive reports that these pests feed on more than 70 different plants, including trees like black walnut, silver maple, and red maple. They also threaten specialty crops like apples, cherries, peaches, and grapes.

If you see a spotted lanternfly, kill it immediately and report it to Michigan's Department of Agriculture.