The spotted
lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, now found in portions of 5 counties in SE
Pennsyllvania (Berks, Bucks, Chester, Lehigh, and Montgomery) lays egg masses
of 30-50 eggs wherever there's a flat surface. Any smooth-trunked tree, stone, or vertical smooth surface can provide a
potential host for eggs masses. Man-made items like vehicles, campers, yard
furniture, or any other items stored outside and easily transported, are
suitable sites for egg laying and help it spread quickly.
Therefore, a
general quarantine over any area found to harbor the spotted lanternfly means
that any material or object that can spread the pest cannot be moved. For the
most current quarantine information visit the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Spotted Lanternfly site.
People can
reduce the populations of spotted lanternfly on their properties by killing the
overwintering eggs. Residents of the infested area are encouraged to inspect
their trees and other objects for spotted lanternfly egg masses, and destroy
them before they hatch. Experts expect
the eggs will start to hatch in early May, so late March through April is a
great time to do this.
- How to scrape and destroy eggs
- For a longer discussion and tips to identify egg masses, see the first part of this video done in cooperation with PA senator Judy Schwank.
- If you successfully destroy spotted lanternfly egg masses, please report your efforts to the PA Department of Agriculture. This information is important to help continue the eradication effort and also for research to know where high populations are being found.
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