SPOTTED LANTERN FLY INFORMATION
NEW JERSEY — After increased sightings across the state including in Monmouth County, of spotted lanternflies, an exotic invasive insect known to feed on 70 different types of plants and trees, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) is urging anyone who comes across the insect to first kill it and then report it immediately to help slow the spread.
Please click below for information:
- Department’s Spotted Lanternfly website
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What the New Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Means for You
- SLF Homeowner Treatment Options chart
According to the NJDA reports, the spotted lanternfly is native to China and South Korea, and arrived in the United States through a shipment to Pennsylvania in 2014, making its way to New Jersey in the summer of 2018.
Although the plant hopper can only fly short distances, the insect is an excellent hitchhiker and has been known to ride on any kind of transportation, the NJDA explained. According to the NJDA Plant Industry Division, the spotted lanternfly’s ability to travel easily on any mode of transportation has allowed it to spread.
Those who discover an infestation and would like to treat their own property should follow the NJDA's list of homeowner treatment recommendations BY CLICKING HERE. The department does not recommend using sticky traps, as they may harm other wildlife.
Residents should be aware that adult spotted lanternflies tend to fly to new trees to feed in the late summer, and it is impossible to prevent the insect from coming onto any one property. Additionally, properties adjacent to land with high populations of spotted lanternflies will likely experience higher populations of spotted lanternflies when the adults begin to move around.
Spotted lanternflies are not harmful to humans or other animals, but can reduce the quality of life for people living in heavily infested areas. According to the NJDA, the insect has the potential to greatly impact agricultural crops and hardwood trees, as it feeds on the plant sap of grapevines, maples, black walnut and many other plants seen across the state.
The appearance and impact of the spotted lantern fly is a statewide issue. Any efforts made to destroy the spotted lanternfly or its egg masses will help reduce populations locally and statewide.
How to Identify and Report a Spotted Lanternfly:
The spotted lanternfly adult is approximately one inch long and a half-inch wide at rest. The forewing is grey with black spots, and the wings tips are reticulated black blocks outlined in gray. The hind wings have contrasting patches of red and black with a white band. The legs and head are black, and the abdomen is yellow with broad black bands. Immature stages are black with white spots and develop red patches as they grow.
To report a spotted lanterfly sighting, in Monmouth County, click here for info: County Commissioners look to spread awareness about Spotted Lanternfly For additional resources from the NJDA about the invasive bug and how to help control the spread, CLICK HERE.