HomeWorx

09/19/2025

These have the potential to wreak havoc on Ohio's ecosystem. They like to harbor in a species of plant called "tree of heaven". Both the tree and the fly are invasive, so if you see either, take immediate action to eradicate them. If you need help with that, let us know!

More info on the spotted lanternfly (SLF). The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect that feeds on the sap of over 70 plants, including grapes, hops, and fruit trees, causing significant damage to crops and forests. It is characterized by its distinctive gray forewings with black spots and red and black hindwings. To control its spread, residents should inspect vehicles and outdoor items for egg masses (gray, clay-like) and destroy them, report sightings to local authorities, and stomp on adult insects.
Identification
Adults: About 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide, with gray forewings marked with black spots and black-and-red hindwings.
Nymphs: Young stages are black with white spots and develop red patches as they grow.
Egg Masses: Gray, mud-like masses that turn brown and crack as they age.
Damage Caused
Sap Feeding:
SLF feeds on plant sap, weakening plants and potentially causing significant damage to agricultural crops and forests.
Honeydew and Sooty Mold:
The insects excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which promotes the growth of black sooty mold on plants and surfaces.
How to Control and Prevent Spread
Inspect Vehicles:
Before leaving a quarantine zone, thoroughly check your vehicle, including the undercarriage, for SLF eggs or insects.
Destroy Egg Masses:
Scrape egg masses from surfaces and destroy them by smashing them and placing them in a bag with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol.
Stomp on Adults:
If you see an adult spotted lanternfly, stomp on it immediately.
Report Sightings:
Report any sightings of SLF, especially in areas where it is not yet established, to your local agricultural or environmental agency.
Where to Find More Information
USDA APHIS:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service provides information on the SLF.
State Agencies:
Your state's Department of Agriculture or Ext onension office can provide specific guidance for your area.

09/11/2025

Closed on GameDay! 🏈

09/11/2025

Have you seen one of these? If you do, SQUISH IT!

It's called the spotted lanternfly, and it's an invasive non-native species, so it's very destructive to healthy insect and plant populations that are native to Ohio. They've been terrorizing PA for a few years, but made it to Ohio this year, and ecological experts are asking for help from all of us to stop them from spreading.

08/26/2025

The notes look pretty accurate to me 🤣

🖼️: mollysowaks / x

08/13/2025

Not all bugs are bad!

🥳 Caesar Creek State Park is a certified firefly habitat! 🥳

Naturalist Erin Shaw applied for the certification through Firefly Conservation & Research, a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 by Ben Pfeiffer, a firefly researcher and Texas-certified master naturalist.

The goal of the organization is to raise awareness of the declining firefly population due to loss of habitat and encourage action to create and preserve firefly habitat. The certification process involves education from Ben on how to create a habitat – whether it’s your own backyard, a park, or a nature preserve – that will help grow the firefly population.

We're so excited!

08/13/2025

Tired of unwanted guests bugging you? HomeWorx provides a smarter, safer, and more thoughtful approach to pest control in central Ohio. We're here to help cultivate and maintain healthier environments in the homes and businesses of our community, by keeping the inside in and the outside out. As a licensed and local company, HomeWorx delivers peace of mind, knowing you're in the care of trusted professionals who live in your community and understand your specific needs.