Capture, don’t kill: Ohio wants this invasive insect intact. For now.

The Ohio Division of Agriculture is asking folks in Hamilton County to maintain an eye fixed out for an invasive insect. The noticed lanternfly has been discovered on Cincinnati’s West Facet. The bugs have already been present in Cuyahoga and Jefferson counties, and officers are attempting to forestall populations right here.

“There’s quite a few issues with this insect. One is that they prefer to feed on grapevines, and clearly Ohio has a considerable grape business and wine-making enterprise. The opposite downside could be with this: there’s concern of type of a nuisance with this bug.”

The Ohio Division of Agriculture’s Division of Plant Well being Chief, Dan Kenny says the bug, in giant numbers, creates a variety of waste that permits for mould to develop on timber and below decks.

Kenny says for those who discover some, or suspect you have discovered eggs, allow them to know. There was an enormous marketing campaign in Philadelphia to encourage folks to smash the bugs that became a passion for some. “We’re asking people in the event that they detect it, acquire it, for now. We reserve the precise to later ask folks to smash it. For now, we’d prefer to get some specimens. If people get it, they will put it in a baggie and freeze it. That’ll kill it.”

The noticed lanternfly does not sting or chew, and is not dangerous to people or pets. However the species is laying eggs proper now. Kenny says the adults will die within the chilly, however the eggs will survive the winter.

“It’s a really distinctive insect. I feel it’s fairly placing when its wings are unfold. It’s type of a purplish-gray and pink polka-dot insect. They’re concerning the dimension of a medium-sized moth. After they’re at relaxation, I consider them type of like a paper airplane. They’re folded over.”

Noticed lanternflies can typically be discovered on Ailanthus altissima, the Tree of Heaven, which can also be an invasive species.