By Andi Anderson
The City of Bloomington is preparing for the arrival of the spotted lanternfly, a fast-spreading invasive insect that poses a serious threat to agriculture and local ecosystems.
Though not harmful to humans, these insects feed on the sap of more than 30 types of trees and plants, including grapevines, walnuts, and maples.
Urban forester Haskell Smith explained that the insect's impact could extend beyond vineyards to orchards and small farms in the region. Originally from southeast Asia, the spotted lanternfly was first reported in Pennsylvania in 2014 and in Indiana by 2021.
Now, sightings have been confirmed in northern and southern Indiana, with the closest in Bartholomew County, not far from Bloomington.
Lanternflies often travel by attaching to cars, trucks, and trains, which makes highways like State Route 46 potential paths for the pest’s arrival in Bloomington. Smith said it may arrive within a year or even sooner.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently tracking the lanternfly’s favorite host — the tree of heaven — which is also an invasive species. Bloomington has more than 100 of these trees. Removing them is complex, as they require herbicide treatment to prevent regrowth.
Due to limited resources, the city plans to focus on removing trees on public property and may keep a few male trees for easier monitoring of the insect.
Citizens are encouraged to learn how to identify lanternflies at different life stages. If seen, residents should photograph, collect, and kill the insect, then report it through the DNR website.
Smith noted, “This could serve as a template for future invasive species responses.”
Bloomington's proactive measures aim to protect local agriculture and prepare for the potential arrival of this damaging pest.
Photo Credit: pexels-mayukh-karmakar
Categories: Indiana, General, Rural Lifestyle