We are working closely with the Department of Agriculture to ensure that plants that leave our nursery are free of any life stage of the Spotted LanternFly. This newly introduced pest has the potential to greatly impact agricultural industries in the state.
What To Do If You See Spotted LanternFly:
If you see an isolated adult or a nymph, the best thing to do is to kill it by squashing it. The adults are good hoppers so this may be a challenge. For more severe infestations, see control measures below.
If you see egg masses, scrape them off, double bag them and throw them away. You can also place the eggs into alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill them. Eggs may be found on tree trunks, wood piles, and smooth surfaces such as cars, empty flower pots, porch railings, etc.
If you are not already in the quarantine area, submit reports of sightings. A photograph of any life stage (including egg masses) can be submitted to Badbug@pa.gov. If you can’t take a photograph, call the Automated Invasive Species Report Line at 1-866-253-7189 and leave a message detailing your sighting and contact information.
If you are already in the quarantine area there is no need to report a sighting.
Penn State and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture have been working on trials for control measures, and their work is continuing. Since many people are anxious for control measures immediately, they have put together this information sheet. Please note it may be too late in the season at this time (fall) to apply systemic pesticides. Any pesticide should be used with care, only according to label directions, and with the knowledge that other insects will be affected as well.
Here is the latest control recommendation for control from Penn State. SLF Control 9-13-2017
For more information:
https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-identification-and-life-cycle
https://extension.psu.edu/what-to-do-if-you-find-spotted-lanternfly
http://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/PlantIndustry/Entomology/spotted_lanternfly/Pages/default.aspx (Latest info on quarantine areas and an interactive map.)
Spotted Lanternfly is very new to this country. In its country of origin, it has natural predators which keep it in check. Those predators are not necessarily present in our ecosystem, which means that its population can soar and the potential for its effect on plant material and crops is unlimited. This is why control is important.
