Spotted Lanternfly

During July-October, you may have seen a colorful insect while enjoying the great outdoors of our town. In fact, it may have been a Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). The adult stage of this insect can be identified by its black head, grayish black spotted forewings, and reddish black-spotted hind wings. 

Unfortunately, the presence of this “new” bug is not good news. It is an invasive non-native insect that was accidentally introduced to Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then it has spread, and was found to cause destruction of fruit trees, grapevines, hardwood trees, and other plants. In all, this insect feeds on over 70 types of plants.

Somerset County is now under quarantine for Spotted Lanternfly, along with seven other New Jersey counties (Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Salem, Warren) and many Pennsylvania counties across the Delaware River. Our residents are asked to observe the quarantine in order to help control the spread of this destructive pest. These bugs are known “hitchhikers” since they do not fly very well but can hide or lay eggs on objects that we transport. Before traveling in and out of these counties, please inspect your vehicle as well as objects you want to transport that you normally store outdoors. See a checklist here: Checklist.

There is no need to inform the NJ Department of Agriculture about any sighting of the insect in Somerset County or any of the other quarantined counties.

So, what more can we do about this pest which is targeting our fruit orchards, vineyards, tree stands and back yards? Residents are encouraged to eliminate these insects and their egg masses if possible. The egg masses are lain in September. Here is a source to help identify at different life stages: (What to look for)

When active, spotted lanternflies can be trapped using a “circle trap” placed around the trunks of trees. See instructions here: Trapping instructions. 

This new style trap is made of plastic-coated insect screening and does not use any sticky material at all. It is basically a tunnel that SLFs walk into. When they move upward in the trap, they end up in a dead-end collection container where they die. Currently, you can purchase this type of trap made specifically for SLF from one commercial source. Some people have been modifying similar commercially available traps designed for other insects to catch SLF. Other people have been making their own SLF traps from scratch. (see how, here) 

Please DO NOT attempt to trap the insects by wrapping sticky material around tree trunks. These sticky wraps can cause serious injury to other animals such as butterflies, birds and mammals.

For further information, see a list of substances that can be used to control the insect: Treatments, and a video demonstrating removal of the egg masses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the most favored plants on which these insects feed and lay their eggs is tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) which itself is a destructive non-native invasive species. These trees grow from seeds dispersed by wind. You may have noticed them along roadsides, where the young trees resemble staghorn sumac. Reducing the number of these trees will also help control the invasive insect. For information about identifying and eliminating tree of heaven, see: Tree of heaven information.

If you have other questions or concerns about trees in the Township, please visit the Shade Tree Commission Webpage at https://franklintwpnj.org/shadetree