Tag: lantern fly

Invasive spotted lanternfly threatens trees, plants in Massachusetts

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An invasive species has begun to cover trees in the MetroWest area of Massachusetts. It’s called the spotted lanternfly, and its presence could spell doom for some vegetation while creating a sticky mess in the woods near people’s homes. The insect arrived in the United States around 2014. It first showed up in Philadelphia by way of Asia. “These actually cannot fly. So the spotted lanternflies are hitchhikers or hoppers,” said Quentin Nowland, president of Lynch Landscaping.

“They are bark and sap feeders, so you will see them excrete what is called honeydew.” Spotted lanternflies on tree in Massachusetts.  The excretion will rain down from the trees covering the base in a black, sweet, sticky substance. This can attract bees, ants, and other insects to the base of the tree. It can also land on smaller vegetation causing potentially fatal issues from sooty mold. “It will damage the growth of the plant, the health of the plant, and also have issues preventing photosynthesis,” explained Nowland. Tim Abrahmsen spotted one on the patio of his Sudbury property.

“Out of the side crawled what I thought was a wasp. It was big and black. At least that’s what it looked like. I swatted it and jumped up,” said Abrahmsen. “Lying dead on the ground was the lanternfly, an unmistakable giant red dot on its back. Giant and menacing.” Tim went down a rabbit hole, researching how to protect his large property that abuts the woods.  Spotted lanternflies in Massachusetts.  “Once people understand how to kill them, or get rid of them, we can do our part,” said Abrahmsen. He began killing the insects he saw, while also searching for their eggs. “As for the eggs, that’s where you want to stop it before they hatch. They have a distinctive look like a smear of mud.

They lay them on flat or horizontal smooth surfaces,” said Abrahmsen. “Best way to get rid of them is to get a plastic, sealable bag with soapy water, or straight alcohol, and scrape them into the bag.” Lynch Landscaping is also helping people to combat the clusters of them that can form on trees. They apply a chemical to the base of the tree. It is absorbed into the sap inside the tree and then eaten by the flies. In a few days, the insects will begin to die.

Source: Invasive spotted lanternfly threatens trees, plants in Massachusetts – CBS Boston

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:10

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Spot them and stomp them: Georgians asked to help stop spread of invasive spotted lanternfly

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A bright and colorful insect wants to make Georgia its new home, and officials want you to kill it as quickly as you possibly can. A native of Asia, the spotted lanternfly was first identified in the United States in 2014, northwest of Philadelphia. It’s likely that insect eggs came over with a load of landscaping stones. Twelve years later, there are reported infestations in 21 states, from the Midwest to the East Coast. Georgia’s first live population was found in 2024. Since then, the Peach State has had 79 reports of the species, all in Fulton County. The insect has been able to spread so far, so fast because it is a sneaky hitchhiker.

Drivers in the summer unwittingly give lifts to adults, which look like moths, perched inside trunks, on wheel wells, or on bumpers. Cars can also carry the insect’s eggs, which can hatch miles away from where they were laid. What makes the lanternfly such a threat is its appetite. The insect feeds on a variety of plants, including grapes, hops, and hardwood trees. As it eats, it emits a sticky fluid that can lead to the growth of sooty mold, which also damages the plants. “We urge all Georgians to remain vigilant. While spotted lanternflies do not directly threaten human health, they can severely impact our number one industry—agriculture,” the Georgia Department of Agriculture wrote. What do spotted lanternflies look like? Spotted lanternfly egg masses hold 30 to 50 eggs and look like wet gray putty before turning a brown that’s similar to cracked mud. The insect lays its eggs in the fall, winter, and spring. From March to June, juvenile nymphs start growing. These tiny insects are black with white spots that turn red as they grow older.

The adult spotted lanternflies are around 1.5 inches long and have a yellow, black-barred abdomen. Their wings are highly recognizable, with brown forewings speckled with black spots and bright scarlet hind wings that turn into black and white at the ends. The insects frequently gather together while feeding and are easiest to spot at dusk or at night, officials say. What to do if you spot a spotted lanternfly in Georgia If you see a spotted lanternfly, Georgia officials say you should follow three simple steps. First, take a clear picture of the insect. Second, squish it. Third, send in a report to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, giving as many details as possible about where you found the insect.

Source: Spot them and stomp them: Georgians asked to help stop spread of invasive spotted lanternfly – CBS Atlanta

The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.
Proverbs 19:8

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