Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture spokesperson Shannon Powers on combating the invasive bug that is swarming across the U.S.
The annoying spotted lanternflies are back — and this time, there aren’t just hundreds of them — there are thousands.
The invasive pests, which feed on a wide range of plants including grapevines, hops, stone fruit trees and hardwoods, are swarming parts of the Northeast and Midwest as they search for mates.
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Photo of a spotted lanternfly.
(Georgia Department of Agriculture / FOX Weather)
Spotted lanternflies have been reported in more than 19 states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland and New York.
Experts say the numbers will continue to rise as mating season ramps up through the end of August. The insects will then begin laying their eggs, continuing into the fall.
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Originally from China, India and Vietnam, the spotted lanternfly was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, the invasive insect has spread rapidly, prompting some states to establish quarantine areas to help slow its spread.
Vince Burkle, of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, holds an adult spotted lanternfly found in Huntington, Indiana.
(Andy Lavalley/Post-Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Authorities are urging residents to take action if they spot the pests. Some officials implemented the “stomp it” campaign, which encourages people to report the sightings and stomp on the insects when they see them.
According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, residents should also check vehicles, trailers and other outdoor items for lanternflies and egg masses.
The insects can hitchhike to new areas by attaching their egg masses to vehicles, trains, shipping materials and outdoor surfaces.
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The threat has also caught the attention of lawmakers. In July, Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal proposed the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, which would provide between $20 million and $50 million for research aimed at developing new ways to combat the pest.
A spotted lanternfly walks along a ledge.
(Gary Hershorn / Getty Images)
Officials say that each year, female lanternflies typically lay one or two egg masses, with each containing about 30 to 60 eggs. They cover them with a creamy, mud-like substance that acts as camouflage to protect the egg sacs, according to Cornell University.
The eggs are laid in the fall and hatch in the spring, with young nymphs emerging as early as May before maturing into adults later in the summer.
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While lanternflies don’t bite or sting and aren’t directly harmful to humans or pets, they pose a serious threat to agriculture.
A spotted lanternfly, which is an invasive pest, is seen on the ground.
(FOX 5 NY)
The insects feed by sucking sap from plants, weakening trees and crops such as grapes, apples and hops. They also leave behind a sticky substance known as honeydew, which can promote the growth of sooty mold.
The insects have been reported damaging or killing saplings, sumac, grapevines and tree-of-heaven, per the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
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Officials warn that the economic impact of the invasive species could be significant.
That’s why residents are encouraged to take immediate steps to help contain the spread, including reporting sightings, removing egg masses, using approved pesticides when appropriate and participating in “stomp-it” campaigns.
