As of early 2026, the entire state of Ohio is under a spotted lanternfly (SLF) quarantine. If you find one, immediately kill it to prevent the spread of this invasive pest that damages trees and crops, particularly vineyards and orchards. While reporting is no longer requested, you should remove host plants like the invasive "tree of heaven" and destroy any egg masses found.
SLF nymphs go through four stages—first, they’re black with white dots white, and then they turn black and red with white dots. Adults typically appear in late June.
If you suspect a SLF sighting in a county that they haven’t already been identified in, submit a picture to the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Ohio Plant Pest Reporter at https://survey123.arcgis.com/.../1b36dd2cf09e4be0a79776a6... for verification.