Speaker: Dr. Mohammad Zee Ahmed, Assistant Professor of Turf and Ornamental Entomology, Clemson University (Pee Dee Research and Education Center, Florence, South Carolina)
Webinar Date: September 18, 2025
Moderator: Dr. Shimat Joseph, UGA Extension Entomologist
Duration: 51:52
NARRATIVE SUMMARY
Dr. Mohammad Zee Ahmed delivered a comprehensive presentation on sustainable pest management strategies for turf and ornamental professionals, emphasizing integrated approaches and detailed coverage of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), an invasive pest recently detected in South Carolina and Georgia. Dr. Ahmed brings extensive expertise to this topic through his 12 years of research and extension experience in ornamental pest management, including previous work with USDA Agricultural Research Service in Florida and postdoctoral research at the University of Florida focused on diagnostics and biological control of mealybugs, scale insects, and whiteflies.
The presentation opened with economic context, highlighting the substantial impact of the turf and ornamental industry. Using South Carolina as an example, Dr. Ahmed noted the industry generates approximately 2.6 billion dollars annually, ranking among the top ten states for employment in this sector and among leading states in sod production. He emphasized that when extending these figures across southeastern states including Georgia, the economic impact becomes tremendously significant. Dr. Ahmed then established fundamental concepts by defining pest species as organisms that harm crops, livestock, or interfere with human well-being. He noted that while approximately one million insect species exist on Earth, representing 80 percent of all living species, only one to three percent are actually pests, and among these, only a handful consistently cause problems in the turf and ornamental industry. To illustrate insect resilience, he presented the Antarctic midge, the only native insect found in Antarctica, which has evolved a two-year life cycle, the ability to enter diapause at multiple life stages, and produces antifreeze enzymes to survive extreme cold.
Dr. Ahmed introduced an eight-step pest management framework that forms the foundation of effective control strategies. The sequential steps include identifying the site where insects are present, determining the season of activity, identifying host plants and their sources, making accurate diagnoses of species identity, learning pest biology including economic threshold levels and life cycles, making informed decisions about control methods, conducting critical follow-up assessments, and maintaining detailed records while gathering stakeholder feedback. He illustrated the importance of thorough follow-up with a ficus whitefly case study from Palm Beach, Florida, where two adjacent residential properties experienced drastically different control outcomes despite similar pest pressure. The successful property implemented proper scouting, adequate spray coverage, and follow-up applications, while the unsuccessful property lacked these critical components, resulting in overlapping generations and persistent infestations.
Transitioning to management philosophy, Dr. Ahmed distinguished between integrated pest management and sustainable pest management. While acknowledging overlap between these concepts, he defined sustainable pest management as achieving long-term, economical control that may be particularly challenging with invasive species requiring time to understand their biology and ecology. He outlined control timelines, explaining that short-term control typically involves chemical applications for newly arrived invasive species when management plans are not yet developed, medium-term control incorporates cultural and mechanical methods alongside reduced chemical use through integrated strategies, and long-term sustainable control aims for economical solutions with minimal environmental impact.
Dr. Ahmed provided essential entomological background, explaining that insects are characterized by three pairs of legs, three body parts (head, thorax, abdomen), and typically two pairs of wings. He emphasized the importance of understanding mouthpart types, as this knowledge directly influences insecticide application strategies. The four main mouthpart types are chewing (beetles, caterpillars), piercing-sucking (whiteflies, Hemiptera), siphoning (Lepidoptera butterflies and moths), and sponging (flies). He explained that insects exhibit two distinct life cycle patterns: complete metamorphosis featuring egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages with only larvae typically causing damage, and incomplete metamorphosis with egg, nymph, and adult stages where all immature and adult stages feed and cause damage. Among the 28 insect orders in the United States, Dr. Ahmed identified nine as particularly problematic in turf and ornamental settings: Coleoptera (beetles), Dermaptera (earwigs), Diptera (flies), Hemiptera (true bugs), Hymenoptera (ants), Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Neuroptera (lacewings, beneficial), Orthoptera (grasshoppers), and Thysanoptera (thrips).
The presentation included detailed discussion of threshold concepts crucial for treatment decisions. Economic threshold represents the pest density at which control measures should be applied to prevent reaching the economic injury level where damage costs exceed control costs. However, Dr. Ahmed emphasized that turf and ornamental entomology incorporates two additional threshold concepts. Aesthetic threshold applies when visual damage matters regardless of economic impact, varying significantly by stakeholder: nursery operations maintain very low aesthetic thresholds, homeowners moderate thresholds, and landscape settings variable thresholds depending on location visibility. Emotional threshold applies in high-profile situations such as golf courses where customers expect zero visible pests, or residential settings where even a single housefly triggers control action despite minimal economic or disease risk.
The major focus of the presentation centered on spotted lanternfly, an invasive planthopper recently arrived in the Southeast. Dr. Ahmed explained that spotted lanternfly first arrived in the United States around 2014, likely from China, and has since spread to 19 states including Georgia (detected 2023) and South Carolina (detected a few months prior to this presentation, now found in at least five counties). As a member of Hemiptera, spotted lanternfly possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts and exhibits incomplete metamorphosis with one generation per year in northern states, though southern state biology is still being studied. The life cycle timing based on northern data shows eggs present January through June with overwintering capability, first through third instars appearing April through July (black with white spots), fourth instars present July through August (distinctive red coloration), and adults active July through December. Adults lay eggs September through June, making fall a critical period for egg mass removal to reduce following year populations.
Dr. Ahmed provided detailed guidance on egg mass identification, noting they can easily be mistaken for tree lichens, fungi, or sap. Freshly laid eggs appear waxy and glossy white, developing a mud-like covering over time. When this covering erodes or is manually removed, seed-like eggs become visible, with hatched eggs showing distinctive slits. Adult spotted lanternflies reach approximately one inch (25 millimeters) in length, displaying black spots on wings with distinctive net-like patterns at wing tips. Similar-looking species that cause identification confusion include certain tiger moths and milkweed bugs. The pest causes significant aesthetic damage through honeydew production leading to sooty mold growth on tree trunks, branches, stones, and surrounding vegetation. Dr. Ahmed shared observations from a ground zero site in Tennessee near railroad tracks where heavy sooty mold coverage completely blackened a tree and surrounding area, illustrating the severe visual impact of high population densities.
Preferred host plants include tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), which serves as the primary host, along with grape vines, black walnut, river birch, willow, and various fruit trees. Management strategies were presented across multiple approaches. Mechanical control includes egg mass removal as soon as detected since one egg mass can produce substantial spring populations, and sticky bands applied around tree trunks have proven effective at reducing populations in high-density areas. Trapping methods such as circle traps show effectiveness, though Dr. Ahmed noted ongoing research continues evaluating various trap designs. Chemical control options for immature stages include contact insecticides (carbamates, organophosphates, pyrethroids with bifenthrin showing particular effectiveness) and horticultural oils for lower population levels in residential settings. For adult control, systemic insecticides including dinotefuran and imidacloprid have demonstrated effectiveness in northern state trials. Biological control options are emerging, with parasitoids capable of attacking eggs and nymphs, and the fungal pathogen Beauveria showing moderate effectiveness. The most effective parasitoid from the native range is not yet present in the United States, though regulatory processes are underway to potentially introduce it, and there is hope that natural enemies may establish spontaneously as has occurred with some other invasive species.
Dr. Ahmed concluded his presentation by directing attendees to a comprehensive field guide on spotted lanternfly available online through Clemson University Extension, searchable by “Spotted Lanternfly field guide,” which contains expanded information on all topics covered in the webinar. The question and answer session addressed the current distribution of spotted lanternfly in South Carolina, confirming established populations in at least five counties, though Dr. Ahmed noted regulatory agencies maintain the most current distribution data and field verification continues.
YOUTUBE TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction and Speaker Background
1:26 Dr. Ahmed Introduction and Position at Clemson
1:45 Economic Impact of Turf and Ornamental Industry
2:18 South Carolina Industry Market Size and Employment
2:40 Industry Impact Across Southeastern States
3:02 Challenges in Turf and Ornamental Industry
3:24 Defining Pest Species
3:56 Insect Diversity: 80% of Living Species
4:26 What Makes Insects Pestiferous
5:07 Antarctic Midge: Example of Insect Resilience
5:53 Diapause and Life Cycle Adaptations
6:37 Eight-Step Pest Management Framework
7:03 Step 1-3: Site, Season, and Host Plant Identification
7:28 Step 4: Diagnosis and Species Identification
7:57 Step 5: Learning Pest Biology and Thresholds
8:17 Step 6-7: Decision Making and Critical Follow-Up
8:55 Step 8: Record Keeping and Stakeholder Feedback
10:16 Case Study: Ficus Whitefly in Palm Beach, Florida
11:00 Importance of Adequate Coverage and Follow-Up
12:30 Southeast as Gateway for Invasive Species
12:49 Sustainable Pest Management Definition
13:18 Long-Term Economical Control Strategies
14:03 Basic Insect Anatomy and Identification
15:21 Insect Mouthpart Types and Management Implications
15:42 Piercing-Sucking Mouthparts
15:58 Complete vs. Incomplete Life Cycles
17:17 Insect Diversity: 28 Orders in US and Canada
17:57 Nine Common Orders in Turf and Ornamental
18:41 Understanding Thresholds for Treatment Decisions
19:31 Economic Threshold and Economic Injury Level
19:52 Aesthetic Threshold in Ornamental Settings
20:51 Emotional Threshold: Golf Courses and Residences
21:41 Control Strategy Timelines
22:00 Short-Term Control for New Invasive Species
23:20 Medium-Term Control: Integrating Multiple Methods
24:18 Long-Term Sustainable Pest Management Goals
27:42 Introduction to Spotted Lanternfly
28:18 Spotted Lanternfly Biology: Hemiptera True Bug
28:54 Piercing-Sucking Mouthparts and Incomplete Life Cycle
29:20 Four Instars and Adult Development
30:00 One Generation Per Year (Northern States Data)
30:48 Life Cycle Timing by Calendar Month
31:55 Egg Overwintering: January Through June
32:40 Critical Timing for Egg Mass Removal
33:40 Identifying Egg Masses: Waxy to Mud-Like Appearance
34:48 High Population Density and Aesthetic Damage
35:52 Sooty Mold from Honeydew Production
37:20 Preferred Host Plants
38:22 Spread Timeline: 2014 to Present, 19 States
39:00 Egg Identification: Three Appearance Stages
40:05 Egg Masses Camouflaged on Tree Bark
40:45 Life Stage Sizes and Appearance
41:27 Look-Alike Species: Tiger Moths and Milkweed Bugs
41:56 Trapping Methods: Circle Traps
43:20 Management Strategy Overview
44:00 Mechanical Control: Egg Mass Removal
45:20 Chemical Control Options for Immatures
46:10 Mechanical Control: Sticky Bands Effectiveness
46:55 Chemical Control Options Overview
47:15 Contact Insecticides: Pyrethroids and Carbamates
47:40 Systemic Insecticides: Dinotefuran and Imidacloprid
47:51 Biological Control: Parasitoids for Eggs and Nymphs
48:09 Fungal Pathogen Beauveria bassiana
48:30 Future Biological Control from Native Range
49:14 Field Guide Resource Available Online
49:30 Q&A: Distribution in South Carolina Counties
50:04 Current Detection in At Least Five Counties
50:23 Established Populations Confirmed
51:13 Closing Remarks and Thanks
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q: How many counties in South Carolina currently have confirmed spotted lanternfly detections?
A: At the time of this presentation, spotted lanternfly had been detected in at least five counties in South Carolina. The initial detections occurred in three counties, with two additional counties confirmed afterward. Dr. Ahmed noted that regulatory agencies maintain the most current distribution maps, and field verification efforts are ongoing. Established populations appear to be present in the confirmed counties based on available information.
Q: What makes spotted lanternfly particularly challenging as an invasive pest?
A: Spotted lanternfly presents multiple management challenges. First, as a recently arrived species first detected in the US around 2014, pest managers are still learning about its biology and ecology, particularly how it will behave in southern climates compared to northern states. Second, it exhibits high reproductive potential with egg masses containing numerous eggs that can overwinter successfully. Third, it has piercing-sucking mouthparts and all life stages feed, meaning damage occurs throughout the growing season. Fourth, it produces copious honeydew that leads to sooty mold growth, causing severe aesthetic damage even when plant health impacts are manageable.
Q: What is the most effective time to manage spotted lanternfly populations?
A: The most effective management window is during the immature stages, particularly the first through third instars which are less mobile since they lack wings. Egg mass removal during fall through early spring is also highly effective for reducing the following year’s population, as one egg mass can produce a significant number of nymphs. Chemical control applications are most successful when targeting immatures in spring and early summer rather than waiting for adult populations to develop. Early detection and intervention before populations reach high density is critical for effective management.
Q: How do you distinguish spotted lanternfly egg masses from similar-looking natural features on trees?
A: Spotted lanternfly egg masses go through three distinct appearance stages. Freshly laid eggs have a waxy, glossy white appearance. Over time, they develop a mud-like covering that can easily be mistaken for tree sap, lichens, or fungus. When this mud-like covering erodes naturally or is removed manually, the underlying eggs appear seed-like in organized rows. Hatched eggs show distinctive slits where nymphs have emerged. When high numbers of eggs are present, you will typically also observe high numbers of adults nearby, which aids in confirmation. The egg masses are often found on tree trunks but can also occur on outdoor furniture, vehicles, or any hard surface.
Q: What are the primary host plants for spotted lanternfly?
A: Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), itself an invasive plant from Asia, serves as the primary and preferred host for spotted lanternfly. Additional important hosts include grape vines, which are of particular concern for the viticulture industry, as well as black walnut, river birch, willow, and various fruit trees. The pest demonstrates host plant preferences but can feed on a wide range of woody plants, making it a threat across diverse landscape and agricultural settings.
Q: What chemical control options are most effective for spotted lanternfly management?
A: Control effectiveness depends on the life stage being targeted. For immature stages (nymphs), contact insecticides including pyrethroids (particularly bifenthrin), carbamates, and organophosphates have proven effective. Horticultural oils offer a lower-impact option when populations are not extremely high, particularly in residential landscapes. For adult control or longer-term suppression, systemic insecticides including dinotefuran and imidacloprid have shown effectiveness in trials conducted in northern states. Chemical selection should consider the specific life stage present, population density, site characteristics, and applicator certification requirements.
Q: Are there biological control options for spotted lanternfly?
A: Several biological control options exist or are under development. Parasitoids capable of attacking spotted lanternfly eggs have been identified, along with parasitoids that can parasitize nymphs. The fungal pathogen Beauveria bassiana has demonstrated effectiveness to some extent under certain conditions. However, the most effective parasitoid from the pest’s native range in Asia is not yet established in the United States. Regulatory approval processes are underway to potentially introduce this parasitoid through classical biological control programs. There is also hope that natural enemies may establish spontaneously over time, as has occurred with some other invasive species, though this cannot be relied upon for near-term management.
Q: Why is understanding insect mouthparts important for pest management?
A: Mouthpart type directly determines where insecticides need to be applied and which products will be most effective. Insects with chewing mouthparts (beetles, caterpillars) consume plant tissue, so stomach poisons and contact insecticides applied to foliage surfaces work well. Insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts (like spotted lanternfly, whiteflies, and other Hemiptera) feed on plant fluids from vascular tissue, making systemic insecticides that move through the plant particularly effective. Siphoning mouthparts in adult butterflies and moths primarily access nectar, while their larvae have chewing mouthparts. Sponging mouthparts in flies liquefy food externally. Matching insecticide mode of action to mouthpart type optimizes control effectiveness and can reduce unnecessary applications.
Q: What is the difference between aesthetic threshold and economic threshold?
A: Economic threshold is the pest population density at which control measures should be implemented to prevent the population from reaching the economic injury level, where pest damage costs exceed the cost of control measures. This is a quantifiable, economics-based decision point. Aesthetic threshold, by contrast, is based on visual appearance and acceptability rather than measurable economic damage. A plant may have no significant economic injury from a pest, but if the pest presence or feeding damage makes the plant visually unacceptable, the aesthetic threshold has been exceeded. Aesthetic thresholds vary significantly by stakeholder, with nursery growers typically having the lowest tolerance (near-zero pests acceptable), homeowners moderate tolerance, and public landscapes variable tolerance depending on visibility and site use.
Q: What are the eight steps in the pest management framework, and why is step seven critical?
A: The eight sequential steps are: (1) identify the site where insects occur, (2) determine the season of activity, (3) identify host plants and their sources, (4) make accurate diagnosis of species identity, (5) learn pest biology including thresholds and life cycles, (6) make informed decisions about control methods and timing, (7) conduct thorough follow-up assessment after treatment, and (8) maintain detailed records and gather stakeholder feedback. Step seven (follow-up) is critical because it confirms whether the control strategy actually worked, determines if additional applications are needed, helps identify any emerging resistance issues, and informs future management decisions. Many pest management failures occur not from wrong product selection but from inadequate follow-up to ensure control was achieved and maintained.
Q: How does sustainable pest management differ from integrated pest management?
A: While there is significant overlap and some consider these terms interchangeable, Dr. Ahmed distinguishes sustainable pest management as specifically achieving long-term, economical control with minimal environmental impact. Integrated pest management (IPM) combines multiple control tactics including cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods to manage pests below damaging levels. Sustainable pest management takes this further by emphasizing solutions that remain effective and economical over extended periods without requiring continual intensive intervention. For newly arrived invasive species, achieving sustainable management is particularly challenging because pest biology must first be understood, natural enemies may not yet be present, and management plans must be developed through research and experience. The goal is transitioning from short-term reactive chemical control through medium-term integrated approaches to long-term sustainable solutions.
Q: What mechanical control methods are effective for spotted lanternfly?
A: Two mechanical control methods have demonstrated effectiveness. First, egg mass removal is highly effective when conducted during fall, winter, or early spring before eggs hatch. Egg masses can be scraped off trees, structures, or other surfaces into a container of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, or crushed to ensure eggs are destroyed. Since one egg mass can produce a substantial population, removal significantly reduces the following year’s numbers. Second, sticky bands or barrier traps applied around tree trunks have proven effective at capturing nymphs and adults as they move up and down the trunk. Recent studies indicate these bands can meaningfully reduce populations in areas where spotted lanternfly density is reaching high levels. The bands should be positioned appropriately and checked regularly, with some designs incorporating shields to protect non-target wildlife like birds and small mammals.
Q: What resources are available for spotted lanternfly identification and management?
A: Clemson University Extension has developed a comprehensive field guide for spotted lanternfly that is available online and can be found by searching for “Spotted Lanternfly field guide.” This guide includes detailed information on identification of all life stages, egg mass recognition, biology and life cycle, host plant preferences, management strategies across mechanical, cultural, chemical, and biological approaches, and current distribution information. The guide also includes a QR code for mobile access. Additionally, state regulatory agencies maintain updated distribution maps and can confirm identifications through specimen submission or photographic verification.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Dr. Mohammad Zee Ahmed Contact:
Clemson University
Pee Dee Research and Education Center (PDREC)
Florence, South Carolina
Clemson Extension Resources:
- Spotted Lanternfly Field Guide (searchable online)
- QR code available in presentation materials for mobile access
Related Topics for Future Learning:
- Ficus whitefly biology and management
- Scale insect identification and biological control
- Mealybug management in ornamental systems
- Integrated pest management in nursery production
- Economic vs. aesthetic threshold applications
Continuing Education: This webinar provides CEU credits for:
- Category 24: Ornamental and Turf Pest Control
- Category 35: Industrial, Institutional, Structural and Health Related Pest Control
Industry Economic Impact:
- South Carolina turf and ornamental industry: ~$2.6 billion
- Top 10 state for employment in this sector
- Leading state in sod production
- Southeastern states combined represent major economic impact
For questions about sustainable pest management or spotted lanternfly, contact Dr. Zee Ahmed at Clemson University. For Georgia-specific pest management questions, contact Dr. Shimat Joseph, UGA Extension Entomologist.
Stay updated on invasive species detections and management recommendations through your state’s Cooperative Extension Service.
This webinar was presented as part of the Getting the Best of Pests (GTBOP) educational series, providing continuing education for pest management professionals through the UGA Center for Urban Agriculture.