LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is working with Oakland County to limit the spread of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). On August 10, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed a small population of spotted lanternfly in Pontiac in Oakland County. This is the first confirmed case of live spotted lanternfly in Michigan.
MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division (PPPM) has surveyed the initial area to determine the extent of the infestation in Pontiac and Oakland County. Surveying revealed the spotted lanternfly population is mostly contained to a small, wooded lot owned by Oakland County.
“We appreciate the partnership and quick action by our partners in Oakland County to help contain the spotted lanternfly infestation. They have already completed pesticide applications of the impacted area,” said Michael Philip, PPPM Division Director within MDARD. “Early detection gives us more tools in the toolbox for response and containment.”
Spotted lanternfly moves easily on firewood, tires, campers, vehicles and more. Prevention and early detection are vital to limiting the spread of spotted lanternfly. If you find a spotted lanternfly egg mass, nymph or adult, take one or more photos, make note of the date, time and location of the sighting, and report it online to Eyes in the Field. Photos are necessary to verify a report and to aid in identification.
“We hope to limit the spread of this invasive population of spotted lanternfly by using targeted pesticide applications and tree removal,” said Jim Nash, Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner. “Our priority is working alongside the Michigan Department of Agriculture to protect our agriculture, natural resources and environment both in Oakland County and across the state.”
“While surveying, MDARD’s PPPM inspectors discovered a significant, but isolated grouping of invasive tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), the much
