While the pandemic, social unrest and election controversy has turned society upside down over the past year, it may have been easy to forget about another, more inconspicuous element that has been lurking in the cities and countryside of Pennsylvania for years now.
But we don’t have to be passive bystanders in the war against the invasive, destructive Spotted Lanternfly. Protect your landscaping now with GREENSKEEPER’s long-lasting Annual Spotted Lanternfly Treatment…
Invasive Pest Alert
The invasive Spotted Lanternfly has been catastrophic to the environment and economy in many parts of PA and the threat exists for an even more profound impact on industries and ecosystems into the future. These bad bugs hatch at the end of April or early May, so it’s prime time to keep an eye out for them and destroy them at all costs. The more egg masses that are smashed now, and the more lanternfly nymphs trapped and killed, the fewer adults there will be later in the summer.
The Spotted Lanternfly is native to Asia, but hitchhiked into the US in Berks County, PA, on a shipment in 2014. The species has been advancing ever since, causing 34 Pennsylvania counties to be currently under quarantine. Nymph and adult spotted lanternflies cause extensive damage when they feed on vegetation, sucking sap from stems and leaves, and causing the plant to ooze and weep. Not only does the plant die but the fermented odor caused by the feeding, along with the fluid excreted by the insects themselves, promotes mold growth and draws even more insects. This is not only devastating for the environment but has a huge impact on several of the state’s major agricultural industries.
Fight Back with This Easy New Trap Idea!
Fortunately, we’re not helpless in this fight. There’s a way for every citizen to battle back against the invasive critter. Sticky bands wrapped around trees are used to good effect, but the problem is that these traps also trap other creatures, including good bugs and even small birds. Penn State Extension explains that building a safer and more effective trap is fairly straightforward. This new style trap is made of flexible insect screening and does not use any sticky material at all. It is basically a funnel that SLFs walk into as they move upwards on the tree towards a dead-end collection container where they die. LEARN HOW TO BUILD A SPOTTED LANTERNFLY CIRCLE TRAP…
Scrape Off Those Egg Masses
In addition to this trap, Pennsylvanians should always kill spotted lanternflies whenever they’re seen. Spotted lanternfly egg masses hold between 30-50 eggs of the invasive species. One sign to look for to see where lanternfly has been is a black sooty mold on a tree. The spotted lanternfly prefers the Tree of Heaven, which is common in Pennsylvania. When egg masses are identified, they should be scraped off using a putty knife, credit card, or other firm, blunt-edged tool. LEARN HOW TO REMOVE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY EGGS…
STOP the SPREAD with GREENSKEEPER’s Spotted Lanternfly Management & Control
Spotted Lanternfly eggs are hatching now and over the next few weeks. Are your plants, trees, and property protected from these destructive pests? Consider GREENSKEEPER Professional Lawn Care‘s certified pesticide services for the necessary insecticide treatments for your yard. Our management program is designed to control Spotted Lanternfly in every stage of their life cycle. And our skilled professionals have specialized training and equipment to treat trees and shrubs. Hiring our professionals will reduce your risk of pesticide exposure and save you valuable time. By limiting Spotted Lanternfly in the earlier stages of their lifecycle, we can reduce their numbers and reduce the damage they cause to your landscape!
