The invasive Joro spider may be the creepy critter making headlines at the moment, but spotted lanternfly season is upon us, and state officials are continuing to recommend that New Jerseyans squash the bugs on sight.
These red-winged bugs are native to China, India, and Vietnam and were first spotted in the United States in 2014. Since then, they have been found all over New Jersey as well as in seven other states.
Year after year officials have recommended that New Jerseyans do their part to help control the spotted lanternfly population and “stomp it out.” Has all of this stomping made a difference?
Here is everything that you need to know as we head into the summer spotted lanternfly season per the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
Why should I still care about the spotted lanternfly?
While spotted lanternflies are not harmful to humans or animals, they can be detrimental to plants. They feed on sap from over 70 different plant species and have a strong preference for economically important plants such as grapevines, maples, black walnut, and more. As they feed, they cause damage and significant stress to the plant which can lead to worsened health or even death.
Additionally, as they feed, spotted lanternflies excrete honeydew. As the honeydew builds up it promotes growth for fungi which can cover the plant, patio furniture, cars, or anything else below where they feed. It can also attract bees, wasps, and other insects.
When will I start to see spotted lanternflies again?
Spotted lanternfly eggs started hatching in the spring. The insects are harder to spot during this time of year as they are currently in their nymph stages and are small and black. Sometime in July, they will start turning red and they will reach their full adult stage in August.
As they begin to near and reach full adult stage, they will be much more noticeable.
Should I still be killing spotted lanternflies when I see them?
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture is continuing to encourage people to kill spotted lanternflies by stomping on them and/or using and following directions on commercial pesticides.
You can check out nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/pests-diseases/spotted-lanternfly/homeowner-resources/ for homeowner resources including usable pesticides, additional management options, and more.
Has all of this stomping made a difference?
The population seems to be under control in various areas around the state but there are still pockets where infestations are high. Therefore, according to the NJ Department of Agriculture, while the effort of the public to help reduce spotted lanternfly populations has certainly been helpful, it is difficult to determine the full impact.
Statewide quarantine
Heading into the 2024 spotted lanternfly season, all of New Jersey’s 21 counties are under quarantine for spotted lanternflies. Being under quarantine means that any object that can spread the insect cannot be moved without taking precautions.
These objects include any living life stage of the spotted lanternfly, landscaping, remodeling, or construction waste, firewood, packing materials, plants, and outdoor household articles such as RVs, lawn mowers, patio chairs, grills, etc.
You should also be conscious of your vehicle by checking it before leaving a parking lot and parking with your windows closed.
What else is being done?
The Department of Agriculture and other insect laboratories around the United States are participating in programs which hope to find a natural predator of the spotted lanternfly. However, it will likely be years before testing and approvals will allow for its release.
In addition to pesticides, some states are using vacuums to suck up and kill adult spotted lanternflies.
