Spotted Lanternfly
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The Spotted Lanternfly – a new invasive pest – now in the adult stage and laying egg masses has appeared in our area. There was a sighting in Jones Woods, shown on the White Trail in the green photos above.
What to do if you see a spotted Lanternfly or their egg masses in New Jersey?
Note your location and take photos.
Report your sighting to the NJ Dept. of Agriculture by email or 609-406-6943. The Department appreciates residents reporting sightings and assisting them in keeping this pest from spreading. (They spread by hitchhiking on vehicles... so check your cars. They might be going along for the ride). Call the New Jersey Spotted Lanternfly Hotline 1-833-223-2840 (BADBUG0) and leave a message detailing your sighting and contact information.
Eliminate the adult lanternfly (swat it, squash it). Remove/destroy the egg masses (see video above). Add rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to the inside of a zipper-sealed plastic bag. Use a plastic card — like a credit card — or a putty or butter knife to scrape the egg mass into the bag. The alcohol or sanitizer (or bleach) in the bag will kill the eggs.
Why are we worrying about this insect?
Though the bug does not pose a threat to humans or animals, it is deadly to plants. It feeds and extracts sap, creates wounds in trees, excretes honeydew which builds up sooty mold, and impacts the overall quality of outdoor life.
The NJ Dept. of Agriculture has appealed to all residents “... to destroy the Spotted Lanternfly if possible when they see it. It will take a combined effort to help keep this pest from spreading.” Everyone can help. Parents can make it a game for their children will providing a useful lesson about the balances in nature. Check your cars and trees at home and while walking on trails.
Additional information.
What to do if you see a spotted Lanternfly or their egg masses in New Jersey?
Note your location and take photos.
Report your sighting to the NJ Dept. of Agriculture by email or 609-406-6943. The Department appreciates residents reporting sightings and assisting them in keeping this pest from spreading. (They spread by hitchhiking on vehicles... so check your cars. They might be going along for the ride). Call the New Jersey Spotted Lanternfly Hotline 1-833-223-2840 (BADBUG0) and leave a message detailing your sighting and contact information.
Eliminate the adult lanternfly (swat it, squash it). Remove/destroy the egg masses (see video above). Add rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to the inside of a zipper-sealed plastic bag. Use a plastic card — like a credit card — or a putty or butter knife to scrape the egg mass into the bag. The alcohol or sanitizer (or bleach) in the bag will kill the eggs.
Why are we worrying about this insect?
Though the bug does not pose a threat to humans or animals, it is deadly to plants. It feeds and extracts sap, creates wounds in trees, excretes honeydew which builds up sooty mold, and impacts the overall quality of outdoor life.
The NJ Dept. of Agriculture has appealed to all residents “... to destroy the Spotted Lanternfly if possible when they see it. It will take a combined effort to help keep this pest from spreading.” Everyone can help. Parents can make it a game for their children will providing a useful lesson about the balances in nature. Check your cars and trees at home and while walking on trails.
Additional information.
