What’s Being Done To Address Spotted Lanternfly?

Have you spotted Spotted Lanternfly in the northeast? This evasive pest has become more prevalent in recent years. In fact, in recent weeks of this summer.

“And the spotted lanternfly feeds on a wide range of fruit and ornamental trees and woody trees. It does prefer to feed on the invasive tree of heaven.  It’s one of its most preferred hosts,” said Matt Travis Spotted Lantern Fly National Policy Manager for USDA's Animal and Plant health inspection. “But they also like to feed on other varieties of crops and plants, including grapes, apples, hops, walnuts and hardwood trees” 

Travis said perhaps the most susceptible plants to this pest are grapes and grape vines.  

“It acts as a stressor to the grapevine feeding on the grapevines, eliminating that important sap and nutrients from the vine itself, and then weakening the vine over time so that the vine with all the other stresses simply may not have the ability to continue to be productive.” 

A working group was formed by AFIS, state Departments of Agriculture [NASDA] and the National Plant Board two years ago. Its purpose? Reduce the spread and impacts of Spotted Lantern fly the group produced a five-year strategy in that regard, Travis explained. This strategy takes a three pronged.

“The approach really focuses management efforts at and near high-risk pathways within satellite populations and near agricultural areas of concern, in states where Spotted Lanternfly is found,” Travis said.  “The plan also offers great recommendations on how to build response plans, preparedness plans and really build those capacities for states where Spotted Lantern fly hasn't been found and really prepare the state for the day that spotted lanternfly may show up. 

"And the development of research, especially new pest management tools, options, biocontrol options especially is important as long-term strategies to be able to control and manage the populations of spotted Lantern fly in the U.S.” Travis continued. 

He believes the key to this strategy of Spotted Lanternfly population and impact reduction involves educational outreach to the public. 

“With the working group really working to enhance the consistent messaging across the United States to further both public awareness and industry awareness to better protect industries that are at risk.”

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