Michigan’s Squish-on-Sight Bug Has Reached Eight Counties

I've said it before, and Michigan officials are saying it again: if you see a spotted lanternfly, this is not the time to admire nature. Follow the reporting instructions for your county, then introduce it to the bottom of your foot.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) says a confirmed spotted lanternfly population now resides in Berrien County. Officials also recently identified a population in Washtenaw County. That brings confirmed populations to Berrien, Jackson, Lenawee, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.

Why Michigan Wants This Bug Squished

An exterior door with piles of living and dead spotted lanternflies.

Spotted lanternflies aren't dangerous to people or pets, but they can become tiny, winged nightmares for Michigan plants. Heavy infestations can stress plants, cause localized damage, and potentially hurt crop yields.

That is especially concerning in Berrien County, a major Michigan grape-producing region. Grapevines, hops, and tree-of-heaven are among the insect's preferred hosts.

See One? Squish It

A close up look at a spotted lanternfly on a brick wall.

If you find one in a county where populations are already confirmed, MDARD says you can skip the report and go straight for the squishing.

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Find one anywhere else in Michigan? Take photos, note the date, time, and location, report it through the state's Eyes in the Field tool, then squish it.

Yes, it's colorful. So is mold. Neither needs to take up permanent residence in Michigan.