The spotted lanternfly poses a severe threat to many fruit crops and trees. Knowing how to identify and report this invasive pest is crucial. Native to China, the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014. This pest feeds on various fruit, ornamental, and woody trees, with the tree of heaven being one of its favorite hosts. The spotted lanternfly is highly invasive, spreading long distances through human activity by hitching rides on infested materials or items with egg masses. Left unchecked, it could severely impact the U.S. grape, orchard, and logging industries.
Where’s the Threat and How to Report
Spotted lanternfly populations have been confirmed in 14 states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia.
State-Specific Reporting Information
Connecticut
If you spot a suspected spotted lanternfly in Connecticut, avoid moving any potentially infested material. You can:
Follow the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station’s instructions for submitting a specimen.
If you find an SLF or its egg masses in Michigan, take photos, record the date and location, and contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture at [email protected] or call 800-292-3939.
New Jersey
Submit sightings to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture via their online portal.
New York
Report findings through the New York State Department of Agriculture’s website.
Follow the Virginia Department of Agriculture instructions to report sightings or submit specimens.
West Virginia
Contact the West Virginia Department of Agriculture by emailing [email protected] with high-quality photos or collected specimens.
What’s at Risk?
If the spotted lanternfly spreads further, it could devastate crops and trees, including:
Grapes, hops, and orchard fruits like apples, peaches, and cherries
Nuts such as walnuts
Trees, including maple, oak, sycamore, poplar, and pine
Source of the Threat
Although spotted lanternflies don’t fly long distances, they are excellent hitchhikers. During fall, they lay mud-like egg masses on various surfaces like tree bark, outdoor gear, and vehicles. These egg masses, resembling a smear of mud, must be scraped and destroyed when found in infested areas. Travelers passing through quarantined regions should inspect vehicles and belongings thoroughly to avoid spreading the pest to new locations.
If you discover this pest outside a quarantined area, take a photo, document the location, and report it to your state’s agriculture department before killing it.
Signs and Symptoms of Infestation
Look out for:
Plants that ooze or emit a fermented odor
Sticky fluid (honeydew) accumulating on plants or the ground
Sooty mold growing on infested plants
What You Can Do
Preventing the spread of spotted lanternflies requires vigilance. Here’s how you can help:
Before winter, check outdoor items for egg masses, including items brought indoors. Scrape them into a sealed bag with hand sanitizer and dispose of it.
Inspect your trees and plants, especially when insects gather at dusk or night.
Look for egg masses on smooth surfaces such as tree trunks, bricks, or outdoor furniture.
If spotted lanternflies are found outside quarantined areas, report them immediately to your local agricultural authority.
By staying alert and taking action, you can play a critical role in preventing the spread of this invasive pest and protecting vital crops and ecosystems.
