Cleveland Metroparks Trained Dogs to Combat Lanternflies

Six specialized dogs have helped staff locate and destroy thousands of invasive spotted lanternfly egg masses.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Dogs

Bold vector editorial illustration of a dog silhouette sniffing a tree in a wintry park, depicting invasive species management. — Cleveland Metroparks has deployed six specialized dogs to detect and eliminate invasive spotted lanternfly egg masses, protecting local trees from infestation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Cleveland Metroparks is utilizing a team of six trained dogs to identify and destroy spotted lanternfly egg masses. This initiative aims to curb the population of the invasive insect, which prefers to lay its eggs on the Tree of Heaven.

Why it matters

Reducing the survival rate of the spotted lanternfly is critical to preventing the spread of an invasive species that threatens local vegetation. By targeting egg masses before they hatch, the park system minimizes the impact of the insects on the region.

The detection team consists of six dogs, including a German Shepherd, a Belgian Sheepdog, and a Danish Swedish Farm Dog. Together, they have assisted staff in destroying 10,000 egg masses, representing approximately 500,000 individual eggs.

The players

Cleveland Metroparks

This is a public park system in Ohio that manages thousands of acres and provides extensive recreational and conservation services to the community.

The details

Volunteer handlers work alongside the dogs during winter months to locate clusters laid by the insects in October. Residents in Cleveland can also participate by visiting nature centers to register for lampshade traps designed to collect egg masses.

Adult lanternflies lay their eggs each October.
Dogs identify clusters for destruction during the winter months.
Staff have destroyed 10,000 egg masses over the past two years.
The canine team demonstrated their skills at the zoo this past Monday.
The egg masses are known to hatch in the spring.

Culture Shift

The use of trained canine detection units reflects a growing trend in conservation, where specialized scent work replaces traditional visual inspections for invasive species. This shift mirrors the proactive management strategies adopted across states to combat the rapid expansion of the spotted lanternfly.

Cleveland residents can take an active role in this conservation effort by visiting local nature centers to pick up lampshade traps for their own property. By properly monitoring and disposing of egg masses, individuals help prevent the insects from hatching in their own backyards.

The takeaway

Proactive detection during the winter dormancy period is one of the most effective ways to manage the spotted lanternfly invasion. Residents who spend time outdoors in the coming months should be aware that these egg masses are frequently found on specific hosts like the Tree of Heaven.