Invasive Spotted Lanternflies: A Threat to New Jersey’s Plants and Agriculture
What is a Spotted Lanternfly?
The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect native to China, India, and Vietnam. It was first discovered in the United States in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, it has spread to four states, including New Jersey.
Adult spotted lanternflies are about one inch long and have black bodies with colorful wings that are half-red and half-grey with black spots. They feed on over 70 species of plants, including maple, walnut, fruit trees, and grapevines.
Why is the Spotted Lanternfly a Threat?
Spotted lanternflies can cause significant damage to plants by piercing them with their mouthparts and sucking out the sap. They also excrete a sugary substance called honeydew, which can promote fungus growth and damage or kill plants.
How Does the Spotted Lanternfly Spread?
The spotted lanternfly is an excellent hitchhiker and has been known to travel on vehicles, luggage, and other objects. It can also fly short distances.
What Counties in New Jersey Are Quarantined?
Eight counties in New Jersey are under quarantine due to the spotted lanternfly infestation:
- Bergen
- Burlington
- Camden
- Essex
- Hunterdon
- Mercer
- Middlesex
- Monmouth
What Can You Do to Help?
Residents in affected areas can help to reduce the spread of spotted lanternflies by taking the following steps:
- Check your vehicles and belongings for spotted lanternflies before traveling.
- Report any sightings of spotted lanternflies to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
- Scrape egg masses off of tree trunks and double-bag them before throwing them away.
- Use sticky tape around trees to trap spotted lanternflies as they crawl up the trunks.
- Kill spotted lanternflies on sight.
Spotted Lanternfly Life Cycle
Spotted lanternflies go through several life stages before reaching their adult form:
- Early nymphs: Black with white spots, about an eighth of an inch long (April-July)
- Late nymphs: Red and black with white spots, about half an inch long (July-September)
- Adults: Black bodies with colorful wings, about one inch long (July-December)
Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses
Spotted lanternflies lay eggs once a year, leaving egg masses that look like smeared modeling clay. These egg masses are often found on tree bark. If left unnoticed, they can hatch into swarms of spotted lanternflies in the spring.
Spotted Lanternfly and the Tree of Heaven
The spotted lanternfly has a strong preference for the tree of heaven, another invasive species from Asia. The tree of heaven is hard to control because of its vast root systems. To remove a tree of heaven, all of the roots must be removed, as even a small piece of root left behind can grow into a new tree.
Spotted Lanternfly Pest Management
The focus of spotted lanternfly pest management is on controlling the tree of heaven, as the insect may rely on this tree for reproduction. Other pest management strategies include:
- Killing spotted lanternflies on sight
- Removing egg masses from trees
- Using sticky tape to trap spotted lanternflies
- Applying insecticides to infested areas
Conclusion
The spotted lanternfly is a serious threat to New Jersey’s plants and agriculture. By taking the steps outlined in this article, residents can help to reduce the spread of this invasive pest.
