Spotted Lanternfly inColumbus, OHSPOTTED LANTERNFLY GUIDE
Franklin County confirmed SLF in 2023, placing Columbus at the heart of midwest SLF spread. The I-70/I-71 interchange is a critical distribution node for the pest moving west. Ohio State University's extensive campus tree plantings and the Scioto River corridor's dense Tree of Heaven make Columbus a high-risk establishment zone.
Where it's showing up
Key Neighborhoods
Highest activity zones
SLF Hotspots
Scioto Audubon Metro Park
Active zone
Hocking Hills State Park corridor
Active zone
German Village neighborhood
Active zone
OSU campus
Active zone
Short North art district street trees
Active zone
Primary SLF food source
Tree of Heaven in Columbus, OH
The Scioto River corridor has heavy Tree of Heaven coverage running through the urban core, providing prime SLF habitat. Columbus is a major midwest freight hub — SLF egg masses on vehicles at the I-70/I-71 interchange accelerate spread into Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan.
Identify Tree of Heaven →Local action resources
What To Do in Columbus, OH
Report a Sighting
Every sighting in Columbus, OH maps the invasion front. Report directly to Ohio DNR / ODA.
Report Now →Squish on Sight
See a spotted lanternfly? Kill it immediately — it is legal and encouraged in all states. Learn the best kill methods.
Full Fight Guide →Map ToH in Your Block
Tree of Heaven removal cuts off SLF food supply. Add ToH sightings to the community map to guide removal efforts.
View Sighting Map →Statewide resources
Full OH State Guide
County-level data, quarantine zones, treatment guides, and agency resources for the entire state.
See the full OH guide →Community intelligence
Live Sighting Map
See where SLF has been spotted near you in Columbus, OH. Add your own sighting to help map the front.
Open the Map →Free weekly fight briefing
Fight SLF in Columbus, OH.
One email per week. Your zip code. Your threat level. Your action plan. Know exactly what to do this week in Columbus, OH.