What is a Spotted Lanternfly?

You may have heard about the spotted lanternfly in the news in recent years. That’s because this vibrant, moth-like insect is an invasive species that made its way to North America by stowing away in international shipping crates. With no natural predators in this region, spotted lanternflies pose a major risk to our agriculture, as well as the economy that depends on our agricultural industry.

Similar to aphids and scale, when spotted lanternflies feed on the sap of various plants, they leave behind a sugary liquid called honeydew, which causes fungal disease to grow on the plant. In turn, that fungal disease has the potential to wipe out the plant population. Susceptible crops include almonds, apples, apricots, cherries, grapes, hops, nectarines, peaches, and plums, as well as tree varieties like maple, oak, pine, poplar, sycamore, walnut, and willow trees. 

Guest or Pest?

While spotted lanternflies do not bite or carry disease, their potential threat to our agriculture makes them decidedly a pest. So far, spotted lanternflies have been observed in Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia. Many counties in these states are considered to be under quarantine for spotted lanternflies, which means that shipments in these areas are carefully checked to make sure spotted lanternflies are not inadvertently transported to other regions.

Even if you do not live in one of these states, it’s helpful to be on the lookout. The US Department of Agriculture and the Government of Canada request spotted lanternflies to be destroyed upon sight and reported to the appropriate authorities so that the population can be tracked.

Eliminate Pests with Mosquito Hero

When it comes to dangerous, harmful pests like ticks and mosquitoes, reclaim your outdoor space with Mosquito Hero. Our mosquito control services give you custom, targeted control and monthly service from a trained professional, effectively reducing the mosquito population in your yard. And our tick control service aims to eliminate these pests from your property and prevent further tick activity.

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