Remember hearing about that little red butterfly-looking bug everyone demanded you stomp and destroy on sight if spotted?
Well that traveling little bug is preparing to reappear in numerous states across North America. As the adult stage of its lifecycle approaches, get ready to welcome back the infamous Spotted Lanternfly.
Battling the Spotted Lanternfly: What You Need to Know
Spotted Lanternfly (abbreviated SLF), Lycorma delicatula, is an invasive planthopper native to China, India, and Vietnam; it is also established in South Korea, Japan, and now the United States too.
It was first discovered in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in Berks County in 2014 and over the past 10 years, it has spread across the country, including to my home state of New Jersey. 😕
The spotted lanternfly has become a significant invasive pest in North America, particularly in Pennsylvania, where it has spread rapidly. This insect, originally from Asia, hitchhiked to North America and now poses a serious threat to agriculture and the ecosystem.
As beautiful as it is, the invasive bug is alarming for many reasons. 🚨
Understanding the Spread
Here’s the most important information you need to know to help control the spread.
Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine in Pennsylvania
The spotted lanternfly has been identified in 45 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, all of which are now under quarantine due to the pest’s rapid spread.
The latest addition to this quarantine zone is Adams County, highlighting the increasing range of these insects. Unlike many other pests, spotted lanternflies cannot fly long distances; instead, they spread by hitching rides on vehicles and other objects. 🚗
Arrival in Pennsylvania
The first U.S. sighting of the spotted lanternfly was in Berks County, Pennsylvania, on September 22, 2014.
It is believed that they arrived as egg masses stuck to pallets or other packing materials. Since then, they have spread to 51 Pennsylvania counties and several surrounding states, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Ohio, Virginia, Massachusetts, Indiana, West Virginia, and Maryland. 🌎
My Personal Experience with Spotted Lanternflies
I personally started finding the spotted lanternflies about three years ago. In 2021, they were quite numerous in New Jersey, with even more appearing in 2022. Surprisingly, 2023 saw a significant decline in lanternflies compared to the previous years, indicating perhaps a bad year for their population.
This year, I haven’t seen any yet, but they’ll likely turn up in the coming weeks as they approach their adult stage in the spotted lanternfly lifecycle.
One notable experience was at Six Flags Great Adventure, where I watched as one jumped onto a lady’s shoulder plotting to hitchhike somewhere new as she walked holding hands with her boyfriend. Visitors waiting in line for rollercoasters had to cope with lanternflies hopping on them, making the bugs a significant nuisance in crowded places where movement was restricted. 🎢
According to recent USDA research in 2024, it seems they are attracted to certain types of vibrations which may explain why they were thriving in a theme park where rollercoasters and their structural beams provide plenty of buzz. 🫨
Despite visiting several wineries over the last few years, I have not seen lanternflies attacking New Jersey grapevines yet, but I’m sure many farmers are dealing with these problematic pests. 🍇
I’ve also had them land on my car while parked at shopping centers. One year, my local Walmart was covered in lanternflies, both dead and alive. It was a disturbing sight and I hope the infestation will not return. The lanternflies could even be seen (mostly dead from being stomped on) in the store’s aisles, which likely means they hitchhiked on shopping carts or even on patrons who unknowingly brought them inside. 🛒
How to Prevent the Spread
To capture spotted lanternflies, I’ve had the most success using the water bottle method, which is surprisingly effective.
You take an empty water bottle and position the open end right above them. They see something approaching and jump directly into the water bottle, becoming trapped inside. Contrary to popular belief, they catapult themselves because they are excellent jumpers; they don’t technically “fly.”
This method is surprisingly effective for how simple it is.
Inspection Before Travel
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture emphasizes the importance of inspecting your vehicle and belongings before traveling from an infested area.
ABC27 explains that spotted lanternflies often hide in wheel wells, around windshield wipers, inside trunks, and even in the main cabin if windows are left open. Additionally, backpacks, clothing, and other personal items should be checked for these pests. 🎒
I’ve found them on my car numerous times and I don’t even live in a high risk area for lanternflies. Diligence is essential if we hope to have any chance of keeping them at bay.
Identification Throughout Their Lifecycle
Spotted lanternflies look different at various stages of their lifecycle. It is crucial to recognize what to look for:
- Egg Masses: These are usually found on flat surfaces and appear as grayish blobs.
- Nymphs: They go through several stages, starting black with white spots, then developing red patches as they mature.
- Adults: The adults are about an inch long with gray wings, black spots, and bright red hindwings.
Understanding these stages can help in accurately identifying and dealing with the pest at any time of the year.
Taking Action
Trapping and Squishing
Experts recommend trapping or squishing spotted lanternflies upon sight. This is not just to reduce nuisance; these insects pose a severe threat to agriculture, particularly to grapevines, hops, and hardwood trees.
Effective methods include using sticky bands around tree trunks to trap the nymphs and adults, ensuring other wildlife is not harmed in the process.
Interestingly, some recent science points that the bugs may not be damaging trees to the full extent we original anticipated, as explained by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Opponents of culling the bugs argue that overuse of pesticides is harmful in ways that outweigh the benefit of using them, that human intervention cannot overcome the will of nature, and that stomping any type of life is a form of cruelty. Considering they’ve been introduced in the USA by humans, I think it poses an ethical dilemma. 🤔
What do you think on this issue?
Economic Impact
While spotted lanternflies are visually striking, their impact on agriculture is severe. They feed on the sap of fruit trees and grapevines, inhibiting photosynthesis and weakening the plants. Their secretions, known as honeydew, promote fungal growth. While the bugs themselves are not harmful, this impact is the main problem they pose.
Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences estimates that the lanternfly infestation costs Pennsylvania’s agriculture $42.6 million annually. This could escalate to $324 million annually if the spread continues unchecked, potentially resulting in the loss of approximately 2,800 jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spotted Lanternfly?
Native to Asia, the spotted lanternfly was first discovered in Berks County in 2014. It has since spread to 51 Pennsylvania counties and surrounding states. The insect has a broad host range, including ornamental and woody plants, and is a significant threat to viticulture and agriculture. 🍇
Do Spotted Lanternflies Bite?
No, they cannot bite. Spotted lanternflies have mouthparts fused into a straw-like beak to suck sap from plants. They are not capable of penetrating human skin. This is clearly outlined by The Daily Pest.
How Big Will the Spotted Lanternfly Problem Be This Year?
The exact numbers cannot be predicted accurately by science yet. In 2023, fewer sightings were reported compared to preceding years.
According to Virginia Tech News, “Winchester saw lower numbers last year,” he said. “Eventually, native predators start to find them delicious. Also, the spotted lanternfly gets a fungal disease that takes them out. It’s possible that some natural enemies are helping to cull them.”
Can Spotted Lanternflies Damage My House?
Not directly. They do not cause structural damage like termites or carpenter ants. However, they can cause secondary issues such as sooty mold from their honeydew secretions.
Why Are They on My House?
Spotted lanternflies take advantage of any structure to rest or climb on. They have no interest in your house itself, but will gather on warm surfaces when the weather is cool.
What Do Spotted Lanternflies Eat?
Spotted lanternflies primarily feed on the sap of Ailanthus trees (tree of heaven), walnuts, and grapevines. They can also feed on a variety of other hardwood trees.
Are Spotted Lanternflies Killing My Trees?
Persistent heavy feeding by spotted lanternflies can weaken trees, making them susceptible to other insects or diseases. There are indications that continued intensive feeding may eventually kill a tree.
An interesting study recently points out that while they still pose a great risk to grapevines, they may not be as damaging to hardwood trees as we first thought, as explained by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Can I Prevent Spotted Lanternflies from Getting on My Property?
No, it is challenging to prevent them from coming onto your property, particularly as adults when they become more mobile. However, their presence alone does not indicate that you will have plant decline on your property.
PennState Extension explains the best thing a property owner can do is become informed and learn management tactics.
The Positive Side: Raising Awareness and Civic Duty
Interestingly, the invasion of spotted lanternflies has spurred a significant public response. PBS points out how in July 2022, the New York State Department of Agriculture put out the slogan “If you see them, squash them.”
It evokes a wartime-era call to action, urging upstanding citizens to stomp out these dangerous invaders. This widespread campaign has successfully mobilized communities to participate in conservation efforts, highlighting the impact of collective action. 👟
Moreover, educational initiatives have incorporated the lanternfly problem into school curriculums. For instance, students at Branchburg Central Middle School in New Jersey have been tasked with designing lanternfly traps, combining hands-on learning with real-world environmental impact.
Expert Hitchhikers: The Lanternfly’s Journey
One of the most fascinating aspects of the spotted lanternfly is its ability to travel long distances by hitching rides on various objects.
Native to Asia, these insects have made their way to the Americas by attaching themselves to vehicles, shipping containers, and even personal belongings. This hitchhiking ability has allowed them to spread rapidly across different regions. They often attach their egg masses to flat surfaces such as boats, RVs, pallets, and lawn furniture. Once in their nymph or adult stages, they can leap onto moving items, making them expert travelers.
What Should We Do About the Spotted Lanternfly?
The presence of the spotted lanternfly in Pennsylvania threatens not only local agriculture but also the broader ecosystem. Grapevines, in particular, are at risk, which can significantly impact the wine industry and related agricultural sectors. However, the efforts to combat this pest have also brought communities together, fostering a collective sense of environmental responsibility and innovative problem-solving.
By staying vigilant and taking proactive measures, you can help protect the United State’s agriculture and natural resources from the destructive impact of the spotted lanternfly.
For more detailed information on preventing the spread of spotted lanternflies and to stay updated on quarantine areas and regulations, visit your local Department of Agriculture website.
I wonder why the most beautiful creatures do the most harm?
The more I think about that, the more profound it becomes. It’s so sad, isn’t it?