Spotted Lanternfly

September 1, 2021

Spotted Lanternfly., C. Lawrence Barringer Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture bugwood.org

The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive insect that feeds on and damages indigenous trees as well as many crucial agricultural crops including maple, black walnut, grapes and hops. In addition to damaging these plants and leaving them susceptible to disease, the SLF also secretes copious amounts of a substance known as “honeydew”. Honeydew deposition promotes the growth of sooty mold, further damaging trees and crops. People in areas infested with SLF report that they can not leave their homes without getting this sticky substance on their clothing, hair and personal objects.

SLF are primarily spread by the activities and movements of humans. They may hitchhike on firewood, furniture and on cars from one area to another.
If you see a Spotted Lanternfly it is recommended that you kill it and report the sighting.
 

Resources:

General information about the Spotted Lanternfly.

Report a sighting here.

Information on preventing the spread of SLF.

 

Other Sources:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Cornell Cooperative Extension: Integrated Pest Management Program

CCE: Integrated Pest Management Program – Damage