Spotted lanternfly is spreading invasive pest
Last summer, many Butler County residents experienced the noise and chaos of cicadas. This year, however, we may be dealing with a far more destructive insect that is slowly approaching from the east: the spotted lanternfly.
This plant-hopper (Lycorma delicatula) was first detected in the United States in 2014 in Berks County, near Philadelphia.
Originally from Asia, this invasive pest has spread throughout Pennsylvania and neighboring states, prompting the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to impose a quarantine in 14 Pennsylvania counties. Because the spotted lanternfly lays its eggs on almost any surface, including vehicles such as rail cars and trailers, as well as outdoor equipment and patio furniture, the pest can be easily spread.
Recently, egg masses were spotted in a rail yard in eastern Allegheny County, which means the insect could be on the move to our area.
The spotted lanternfly lays its eggs in the fall and protects them with a mud-like covering. In mid-May, wingless, black-and-white nymphs emerge.
By the middle of July and into the late fall, they transition into beautiful, but destructive, adults.
When not flying, the insect's grey- and-black spotted wings remain closed most of the time, hiding their recognizable scarlet hind wings. Both the nymphs and adults are excellent jumpers.
The insect does not bite or sting, and is therefore not a threat to people, but can wreak havoc on crops and trees.One of the lanternfly's favorite food sources is the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), which itself is an invasive species commonly found along our roadsides.However, the lanternfly feeds voraciously on many other plants, including fruit trees, grapevines, hops, and hardwoods such as maple and walnut. Using its piercing mouthparts, it sucks the sap of plants, causing oozing wounds.The insect also secretes a sticky substance called honeydew, which promotes the growth of black mold. Heavy mold infestations can stress the plant and kill its underlying layer of vegetation.There are practices a homeowner can employ to stop the spread of the spotted lanternfly.Be aware of the appearance of the various life stages of the spotted lanternfly to assure that you are not unknowingly transporting the insects throughout or out of quarantine zones.Observe gardens in the summer and fall, too, for signs of the spotted lanternfly. In the fall and winter, scrape off or smash any egg masses you may find on trees, cement blocks, grills, deck furniture or any other hard surface.
Any life stage can be killed by placing it in a container permanently filled with alcohol (e.g. rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer).There are no natural predators in the United States of the spotted lanternfly. However, promising research using Chinese wasps, which keep the spotted lanternfly populations under control in Asia, is underway in the United States.The spotted lanternfly is a significant threat to farmers, grape growers, foresters, and homeowners. The state Department of Agriculture advises those who see a spotted lanternfly to report and then kill the insect. To report spotted lanternfly sightings, call 1-888-4BAD-FLY (1-888-422-3359).You may also report sightings online at extension.psu.edu and search “Have you seen a spotted lanternfly” which will link you to the PA Department of Agriculture.Penn State Extension offers up to date information about the spotted lanternfly. Visit https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly to learn more about spotted lanternfly identification and treatment.If you have questions about the spotted lanternfly, call the Master Gardener Garden Hotline at 724-287-4761, Ext. 7, or email the Master Gardeners at butlermg@psu.edu.Mary Reefer is a Penn State Master Gardener of Butler County.
