The dreaded spotted lanternfly is back in force

The spotted lanternfly that’s been wreaking havoc across large swaths of the country, including southeastern Pennsylvania, has not moved on – not by a long shot.
In fact, a 2021 United States Agricultural Department map shows Pennsylvania and New Jersey are “inundated” with the destructive, odd looking insect, said Christopher Tipping, a biology professor at Delaware Valley University.
As the invasive bug continues to damage wild grape vines, walnut trees and invade the Tree-of-Heaven, a prolific, invasive tree and weed, state agriculture officials have begun a spraying campaign.
“Spotted lanternflies threaten our quality of life outdoors and destroy valuable products that feed our economy,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said in a statement last week. “We are working diligently and strategically to control this pest in ways that are safe for the people, pollinators, plants and animals that share the environment it threatens.”
Armed with backpack sprayers and truck-mounted spray equipment, workers are using the insecticide bienthrin to battle the spotted lanternflies along railways lines, interstate highways and other state right of way, officials said.
The despised insect is a tricky traveler, riding on vehicles as they cruise down the road, moving easily from point to point, said Tipping. They also jump recklessly from plant to plant.
“We have a dual challenge to manage this pest,” the professor explained, adding, “We’re beyond the eradication phase. “We are in the management phase.”

At this stage of its development, the spotted lanternfly is about the size of “a little pinky nail,” Tipping said. However, as it grows, it will emerge through various phases, known as instars, to become the reddish-orange spotted insect we attempt to kill as often as possible.
While everyone looks for ways to eradicate the pest, the Penn State Extension Service offers the following ways that aren’t really effective:
*Pressure washing destroys spotted lanternfly eggs. While pressure washing might physically remove egg masses from surfaces, there is no evidence that it kills eggs. Additionally, high-pressure sprays can cause permanent damage to trees and other living plants.
*Milkweed is toxic to spotted lanternfly. According to Penn State Extension educators, milkweed leaves contain cardiac glycosides. These compounds affect heart function, making them toxic to most species of birds and mammals, so these predators avoid them. However, there is no science currently showing that milkweed is poisonous to the spotted lanternfly.
*The spotted lanternfly needs Tree of Heaven to reproduce. It does not, according to Kelli Hoover, professor of entomology, whose lab researched the insect’s reproduction cycle. She said while Ailanthus altissima, a noxious and invasive weed tree commonly known as tree of heaven, is the pest’s preferred host, spotted lanternfly can produce offspring without it.
*Homemade sprays are safe and effective. Folks may be tempted to use home remedies that include household items such as dish soap, glass cleaner, vinegar, salt, garlic and chili/cayenne peppers. These suggestions may have the potential to harm humans, pets and plants, do not come with precise directions, may not be effective, and their use can violate the law, noted Emelie Swackhamer, a horticulture extension educator based in Montgomery County.

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