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t’s great that you’re checking your backyard, as the spotted lanternfly is a serious concern. Here’s a quick summary of the key points from your message:
What Is the Spotted Lanternfly?
The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive pest from parts of China, India, and Vietnam.
It was first detected in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since spread to several states, including New Jersey, Virginia, and Ohio.
The adult lanternfly is about 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide, with gray forewings, black spots, and red and black hindwings. Nymphs are black with white spots, turning red as they mature.
Why Control the Lanternfly?
Economic damage: It threatens agriculture, particularly the grape-growing industry, by stressing plants and making them more vulnerable to disease.
Environmental harm: It can kill or damage native trees, disrupting ecosystems.
Nuisance in homes: Lanternflies excrete honeydew, attracting bees and wasps, and causing the growth of sooty mold, which can damage plants and create sticky surfaces.
How to Safely Kill the Spotted Lanternfly:
Manual removal:
Crush the insects (wear gloves for safety) or scrape egg masses off surfaces, placing them in a bag with rubbing alcohol.
Sticky bands:
Use sticky bands around tree trunks to trap the insects, but be cautious of non-target wildlife getting caught.
Insecticides:
see continuation on next page
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