Some new twists in lanternfly saga
As we near the end of yet another year enduring the presence of the loathed spotted lanternfly, residents can take some comfort in at least one new twist in this saga. The misery is spreading.
The invasive pest from Asia made its American debut back in 2014. In the years since it has expanded its territory. Early on it mainly affected portions of Pennsylvania, since then it has spread all over the region. This year it’s a regional problem. Areas such as Lancaster County, the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia have been contending with hordes of the icky creatures. In all, 14 Pennsylvania counties are under a quarantine for the spotted lanternfly.
When we take a moment to look up from our annual lanternfly squashing sessions, we can derive a bit of entertainment from the reactions of those unfamiliar with the multicolored creatures.
The highlight of the season, from a humor point of view was a September post on the Philadelphia police department’s official Twitter account: “Please do NOT call 9-1-1 to report #SpottedLanternfly sightings. While they are a nuisance, they are not a police issue.” The police official went on to show a sense of humor, adding,” We, for one, would like to welcome our new insect overlords.”
The Associated Press reported on the exploits of Pennsylvania homeowner Jim Wood, who takes on lanternflies using a converted wet/dry vac. He estimates he’s killed nearly 40,000 of the pests this year. A similar concept was employed by Conrad Weiser High School agriculture students, whose efforts yielded them first place in the Pennsylvania Agriculture STEM Design/Building Challenge.
Recently Lancaster’s LNP newspaper published an editorial with the headline, “Regarding menace of spotted lanternflies: Wipe them out — all of them.” Its opening sentence: “Everyone reading this is granted a full license to kill the spotted lanternfly. You’re our best hope.” Needless to say, we echo the sentiments of our colleagues in Lancaster.
Indeed, this is serious business. And indeed, it is up to all of us to do our part in addressing this scourge. The ongoing spread of the pests’ territory is a sign of the difficulty researchers are having getting a handle on the problem. While encouraging work is being done, a systematic means of eradicating the bug has yet to be developed. Meanwhile it’s imperative that people do what they can to take on the pests.
That means killing the bugs whenever possible, and being on the lookout for the mud-like spotted lanternfly egg masses on trees, cars, lawn furniture, outdoor equipment and other surfaces. If you see an egg mass, scrape it into a container holding some rubbing alcohol. Hand sanitizer also works. If those eggs are allowed to hatch, that’s so many more pests that people will have to squash next summer and fall. And make sure your vehicle is free of lanternflies before driving any kind of distance. Hitching rides is one way the pests continue their seemingly inexorable spread.
Spotted lanternflies aren’t just annoying. They threaten $18 billion worth of Pennsylvania agriculture, including tree fruit, timber, hops and especially grapes. And the bug has expanded its range into New Jersey, Delaware and Virginia.
We conclude with the sentiments of our colleagues in Lancaster, words that we know our readers will take to heart if they haven’t done so already:
“This battle is being waged on multiple fronts. But it means we must do our part on the homefront.
“So keep stomping.”
— The Reading Eagle,
MediaNews Group