Spotted Lanternflies Threaten Ohio Farms | Columbus News

Columbus News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Sep 4, 2026 · 1m

Spotted lanternflies are spreading fast and wreaking havoc on crops—farmers and officials are on high alert. These invasive pests feed on sap, damaging grapevines and fruit trees, and are now in their adult stage with easy-to-spot wings. While population numbers are steady or slightly up, experts hope the trend reverses. Trees of heaven, another invasive plant they love, are key targets for removal. Ohio’s Department of Agriculture is offering grants to help with eradication efforts—deadline: September 30. You can still help: kill any lanternflies you spot and remove trees of heaven from your…