Spotted Lanternflies wreaking havoc on local economy & crops after hatching, ecologists react

Cambria County, PA — Swarms of spotted lanternflies can be seen feeding on trees in our area. They are around 1 inch long with both gray and colorful spotted wings. The p-a department of environmental protection says this invasive species is native to east Asia. They feed on the bark of trees and a wide range of crops including grapes, apples, hops, and walnuts. They say the damage these pests cost the commonwealth’s economy hundreds of millions of dollars in damages, and the loss of 2,800 jobs annually.

Professor Amy Korman, from the Penn State University, says this ‘Plant hopper’ affects multiple aspects of our lives in negative ways. “It generates honeydew, which is its excrement, and it's very sweet. And that is a substrate for sooty mold which is another annoyance in the environment. So, no matter what way you look at it, this is a real pesky pest and we just don’t want it to spread further.” says Korman. She says people can unknowingly spread the bug, and that is how it was brought here.

Our region is currently past the period of hatching for spotted lanternflies. Experts say killing egg masses can save a lot of time and effort, but starting now, they say, is better than later. Korman says the bugs and their egg masses can also be found on sides of buildings.

if you see a spotted lanternfly, specialists ask that you report it to the PA Department of Agriculture. That hotline number is 1-888-4BAD-FLY / (1-888-422-3359). Here is their link to the Spotted Lanternfly page.