Spotted Lanternfly Alert

Have you seen any unusual insects with spots around your area lately? You might have encountered the Spotted Lanternfly, a tiny but troublesome invader from Asia that's causing quite a stir in Pennsylvania.

Why Should You Care?

Despite their small size, Spotted Lanternflies are causing significant damage. They harm trees, plants, and crops, leading to sap leakage, wilting, and even death. Plus, they leave behind a sugary substance called honeydew, which encourages harmful mold growth.

If you spot one, take action! Report it online or call 1-888-4BADFLY, especially if you're not in a quarantine zone. 

And don't be afraid to squash or get rid of them – they lay eggs that could lead to a population explosion. Believe it or not, squashing one can actually stop 30-60 more from showing up next year. 

Quarantine and Agriculture Impact

To curb their spread, a Quarantine and Treatment Order is in place. This means certain areas are off-limits to these pests. Spotted Lanternflies aren't just a nuisance; they're a major threat to Pennsylvania's agriculture, potentially causing massive economic losses and job cuts in industries like grapes, apples, hops, and hardwood.

Recognizing the Culprit

Identifying these insects isn't too tough. Adult Spotted Lanternflies are about an inch long, with gray wings, black spots, and red and black patches. Their young ones are black with white spots, later developing red patches.

Reporting for a Solution

Your help matters! Reporting Spotted Lanternfly sightings aids experts in understanding and controlling their spread. While they can't respond to every report, they focus on non-quarantine areas to limit their invasion.

Let's team up to protect our environment, plants, and agriculture from these unwanted invaders. It might be a small step, but it makes a big difference.