The Spotted Lantern Fly Threat to Pennsylvania Agriculture and Forestry

https://extension.psu.edu/what-to-do-if-you-find-spotted-lanternfly

The article linked above describes the spotted lantern fly problem in Pennsylvania and what people can do about it. For those who are not aware, Pennsylvania and many other states are currently experiencing problems with invasive plants and insects which kill native plant species and take over our forests. Many of these invasive species are from Asia because they tend to thrive in our climate here in the Northeastern U.S. These invasive species pose a real threat to the future of our forests, and although eradication would be impossible at this point, it is in our best interest to attempt to control them.

The spotted lantern fly specifically attacks fruit trees, grapes, and a variety of other forest species. Fortunately, when this species was first found to have invaded Southeastern Pennsylvania, there was a major effort to control them. This effort slowed the spread of the insect a lot, but they still managed to spread into surrounding counties, and eventually New Jersey. This insect will likely cause severe damage to the fruit and timber markets if the spread continues.

It is interesting that the spotted lantern fly prefers to feed on one of the most invasive plants of this region, the tree-of-heaven, in the late summer and fall. Just the other day, I was on a walk in the woods, when I felt water dripping on my head. I thought it had begun to rain, so I looked up, and to my surprise saw several hundred spotted lantern flies along the trunk of a tree-of-heaven. They had pierced the bark and were sucking the sap of the tree. It is easy to see why they are so invasive.

I personally have my Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator's License and have sprayed for invasive plants and insects. I can say from personal experience that the battle with invasive plants in Pennsylvania and much of the U.S. is here to stay. The rapid reproduction and growth rates of invasive plants, and their shear ability to thrive in our climate, make it impossible for complete eradication of this problem. They come back every year, and they spread like wildfire. That is why it is our job to control them the best we can for the future of our forests.

We should be educated on the woods we live in. Remember that we are part of nature too. Find out what native species you can plant in your yard, and consider having professional spraying done if your property really needs it. The surrounding property owners, and the wildlife, will thank you.