The Bedford Garden Club will host a special program on Wednesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. focused on the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect now spreading across Ohio.
The program will take place after the club’s monthly business meeting at Ellenwood Recreation Center and will feature a speaker from Cleveland Metroparks Canal Way staff. Residents interested in gardening, trees, landscaping, or environmental issues are encouraged to attend and learn more about the pest and its impact on the region.
According to a recent News 5 Cleveland report, the Ohio Department of Agriculture issued a statewide quarantine earlier this year related to the spotted lanternfly in an effort to help protect Ohio agriculture, nurseries, wineries, and plant life from further damage.
News 5 Cleveland also reported that spotted lanternflies can harm grapevines, fruit trees, hardwood trees, and other plants by feeding on sap and stressing the plants over time. While the insects are not dangerous to humans, officials say they can create major problems for agriculture and landscaping.
The report further noted that during colder months, residents may notice spotted lanternfly egg masses attached to trees, outdoor furniture, vehicles, or other surfaces. Experts interviewed by News 5 Cleveland described the egg masses as resembling gray patches of dried putty. Officials recommend scraping the eggs off with a plastic card or scraper and placing them into soapy water to destroy them before they hatch.
The May 21 presentation will give community members an opportunity to learn how to identify spotted lanternflies, understand the risks they pose, and how to manage the insect. Ellenwood Recreation Center is located at 124 Ellenwood in Bedford.
