Ohio declares quarantine: Several states anticipate Spotted Lanternfly return

As warm weather returns, states are preparing for the return of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF). Several states, including Ohio, Virginia and Indiana, have already begun preparing residents, telling them what to look out for and what to do when they see the species.

Ohio declares quarantine

In May of 2025, over a dozen counties were placed under quarantine due to the rapid spread of SLFs. A spread that grew so out of control that the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) no longer encourages residents to report sightings.

On Feb. 18, the ODA declared a statewide quarantine. Meaning that farms and nurseries are prohibited from moving trees and nursery stock from out of the quarantine area without a compliance agreement, permit or inspection certificate.

Indiana informs residents of SLF egg sacs

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) says that the insects are currently “wintering” as eggs.

In an interview with an NBC-TV affiliate WPTA, Vince Burkle with the DNR said, “This material looks like some has described it looking like silly putty. Others describe it looking like fresh mud.”

The IDNR encouraged residents to look out for the egg sacs and remove or crush them.

IMAGE: IDNR

Virginia cold weather helps Lanterflies

NBC-TV affiliate WSLS, conducted an interview with Virginia Tech entomologist Doug Pfeiffer, who said, “Snow acts as an insulator, a blanket, and so that gives some protection.” Pfeiffer warned that just because it was cold and snowy, that insects weren’t wiped out entirely.

Derek Keith, general manager of Bug Man Exterminating, added in the news release, “For the eggs to have any effect from what I’ve read is -10 to -30 for an extended period of time, and that will reduce the hatch but not eliminate it. So it really won’t have any effect on the lanternflies at all.”

Find the interview here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/14Wc2E29Km8

More on Spotted Lanternflies

• Study: SLF range defined in the northern U.S.
• Studies seek to learn more about SLF