Programs to teach strategy for battling spotted lanternfly
Forget frogs and locusts, the modern plague of Southeast Pennsylvania is the spotted lanternfly.
An accidental import from Korea, the insect feeds on another imported species, the “Tree of Heaven” as well as numerous other trees. The only ones happy to have them here seem to be praying mantis.
This month offers two opportunities to learn more about them, and how to combat them.
The first is a public educational information session in Pottstown Borough Hall, 100 East High St., third Floor Council Meeting Room on Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Although it’s free, registration is required. Contact Jessica Buck, Montgomery County Conservation District: 610-489-4506 x 14 or email jbuck@montgomeryconservation.org to register.
“We’ve found that mixing a little Dawn dish soap with water in a spray bottle kills them,” Ross Snook, New Hanover Supervisor and chairman of the township’s Environmental Advisory Board, said Thursday evening, after the Pottstown program was announced.
Your second opportunity is on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. in Lower Perkiomen Valley Park, located on New Mill Road in Oaks, easily accessible from Egypt Road off Rt. 422.
There, Sally Sue Richmond, Master Gardener and Senior Lecturer in In-
formation Science at Penn State Great Valley in Malvern, will present her program specifically aimed at what can be done in the fall as each season takes a different approach to eradication of the pest.
All ages are welcome, but this program is better suited for high school and older.
There is a suggested donation of $2 per person. Pre-registration is preferred. To reserve a space, call 610-666-5371.
Participants should meet at the Main Pavilion. The event will be canceled if the weather is severe.