Are Spotted Lanternflies Making a Comeback in Pennsylvania this Summer?

Is there any hope on the horizon for Pennsylvania in its ongoing fight against the invasive spotted lanternfly? Last year, residents observed a notable decline in the number of spotted lanternfly sightings following their invasion in 2022. But will this pattern persist?

In May alone, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture received a total of 291 reported sightings of spotted lanternflies. Statewide, there have been 369 reports as nymphs continue to hatch for the season.

According to Shannon Powers, the Press Secretary for the Department of Agriculture, it is important to note that reports about lanternflies do not necessarily indicate the extent of their presence. Instead, these reports reflect the level of public awareness and willingness to report sightings of these insects. Nevertheless, inspectors are diligently conducting surveys and implementing treatments for the insects.

The spotted lanternfly has rapidly expanded its presence to 51 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. Last year, Greene County was included in the list of quarantined counties, which required equipment inspection prior to transportation to prevent the spread of these pests.

According to a study conducted in 2019, spotted lanternflies have a significant economic impact of $324 million annually and have a negative effect on over 2,800 jobs. These pests pose a threat to various plants, including grapevines that are crucial for wine production, as well as maple, black walnut, birch, and willow trees.

Pennsylvania officials are encouraging residents to take action against these bugs by squashing them and scraping their eggs. In addition, you have the option to report sightings either online or by calling 1-888-4BAD-FLY (1-888-422-3359).

Continuing the fight against spotted lanternflies requires constant vigilance and immediate reporting to minimise their impact on Pennsylvania’s ecosystem.