Connecticut experts: Early detection of spotted lanternflies a priority

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station said experts will continue to work on detecting spotted lanternfly populations in 2024 before they become “active.”

In a news release Wednesday, CAES said it would work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Plant Protection and Quarantine as the population of the invasive bug has expanded in the past several years.

A “laternfly boom” first occurred within the state in 2020. Since then, their population remained rampant “in cities because trees-of-heaven are commonly found in cities.”

CAES said that in the past 3 years, spotted laternflies have been found, or at least reported, in six out of the state’s eight counties: Hartford, Middlesex, Litchfield, Fairfield, New Haven and New London counties.

“The distribution of this insect continues to expand, posing a threat to the agriculture and forests of Connecticut, hence the renewal and expansion of the quarantine noted in the original order,” CAES said. “Early detection is important, and the public is urged to report potential sightings of this invasive pest when they become active again in 2024.”

During the cold seasons, most laternflies freeze and die, but their eggs are able to survive, according to CAES. They said the eggs do not hatch until late April through June.

Experts say if you see spotted lanternfly eggs or the bugs themselves, you should kill them to protect the ecosystem.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said many different types of native plants are susceptible to be “vulnerable” targets to the lanternflies.

“Even if the insect does not kill

the trees, it could destroy the value of the fruit,” DEEP said. “The impact on the agricultural industry of Connecticut could be devastating.”

Connecticut DOE/Contributed photo The spotted lanternfly