Scarce Invasive Species Set Surge in Michigan This Summer

Michigan has a problem this summer, and it's something that we've been steadily and increasingly warned about over the last several years. An invasive species, for which we've been instructed to "see it, squish it," is on the cusp of a full-blown invasion, and the results aren't pretty, especially for Michigan's agricultural prospects.

RELATED: Urgent Warning For Michigan From Pittsburgh: SQUISH THIS BUG

The invasive species in question loves to dine on a variety of trees, according to Michigan State University (MSU), including maples, willows, black walnuts, grapevines, hop vines, and fruit trees. That's the kind of menu that could ruin the state's wine, beer, and apple crop if left unchecked.

Spotted Lanternfly's Foothold in Michigan is Growing

Spotted lanternflies, native to China, first made themselves known in North America in 2014, when they were first detected in Pennsylvania. Last summer, I visited Pittsburgh, and to say that the spotted lanternfly was everywhere would be an understatement. If you've been there, they may have hitched a ride into Michigan.

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As for the Mitten State, despite social media and billboard campaigns urging us to destroy them upon sight, they've managed to set up residency in the southeast. According to the State of Michigan, living spotted lanternflies have been confirmed in Lenawee, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne Counties.

Seasonal Signs of Spotted Lantern Flies in Michigan

From September to May, while you likely won't see spotted lanternflies themselves, you might see something on a tree, roughly 1.5 inches long, that looks like greyish-white chewed-up old bubble gum on a tree. That would be an egg mass (above). If you see one, note its location, take a picture, report the sighting to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), and then destroy it.

Once they hatch, they become exotic-looking juveniles (above) that are between 1/4 and 1/2 inch long, wingless insects similar in appearance to black beetles with white spots. As they mature, they'll also develop red patches. Juveniles mostly appear between May and September in Michigan on a variety of crops, plants, and trees.

Adult spotted lanternflies look grayish-brown with black spots when their wings are folded. When the wings are spread, you'll see yellow, black, and red. You'll find them sucking sap and the life from over 70 different species of trees in Michigan.

RELATED: Protect Michigan's Apple Crop, Destroy This Bug On Site

When you see it, squish it, or Michigan's agricultural sector will take a significant hit. With a foothold in 5 counties heading into the summer, let's keep these little creeps from mounting a full-blown invasion.