The spotted lanternfly feeds on trees, sucking out sap as well as leaving honeydew, sticky, sweet fluid that stimulates the development of black sooty mold and mildew on any kind of surface it covers.
Spotted lanternflies can be easily spread to new locations when people inadvertently transfer eggs or other life phases right into new areas.
Because spotted lanternflies lay eggs on practically any kind of surface, like rail cars, automobiles, and trailers, in addition to outdoor equipment and patio furnishings, the bug is easily spread by people.
The egg masses, which appear like gray or tan, smears of mortar or clay, erratically spread out, will be laId on any smooth trunked tree, rock, or various other level, smooth surface area, consisting of vehicles, campers, yard furnishings, farm equipment or any other items kept outside.
Egg masses can be left on virtually any kind of surface area, including logs, exterior furniture, campers as well as recreational devices, and also automobiles or trailers that are then moved to various other locations and also states, which is one manner in which the parasite has spread to other areas.
For assistance identifying and also treating this bug, visit the Penn State Extension spotted lanternfly website.
If you locate a spotted lanternfly or egg mass, place it in a plastic ziplock bag with alcohol or hand sanitizer, which will certainly kill it.
