'Do Your Part' In The War Against The Spotted Lanternfly: CT DOT

CONNECTICUT — Motorists who have popped into a Connecticut rest area lately have likely noticed signs with a call to action against the spotted lanternfly, installed by the state's Department of Transportation.

Like World War II era posters, the signs urge residents to "do your part" in the battle against the spotted menace.

The #SpottedLanternfly is on the move in #CT. We have signs up at all rest areas reminding motorists to check their vehicles. If you see this infamous hitchhiker, take matters into your own hands – or feet. For more info, visit https://t.co/lzA5etIOXB. pic.twitter.com/0ZGmPqegaM
— Connecticut Department of Transportation (@CTDOTOfficial) August 15, 2023

The state DOT advocating for insect violence? Yes, the spotted lanternfly situation in Connecticut has gotten that serious.

"Fairfield County is pretty generally infested," state entomologist Victoria Lynn Smith told Patch. "We also have populations in New Haven County, Litchfield County, Hartford County and New London County."

The insect will wipe out a vineyard in a year or two, according to Smith, and may also affect other crops such as hops and fruit trees, along with maple and walnut trees. If that's not enough to make you do your part, SLF excrement will rain from trees and can form slippery surfaces on steps and decks, as well as attract stinging wasps or bees.

The sticky, sugary residue promotes the growth of a black mold, which can further damage plants by blocking photosynthesis in the leaves coated with the excrement. The residue itself is sticky, unsightly and hard to get rid of, which is why SLF poses such a problem to fruit farmers. The presence of the residue can destroy the value of the crop.

In an attempt to restrict its migration, the entomologist's chiefs at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station issued a quarantine order against the SLF in 2021, and renewed it earlier this year. But the bug's still making its way through the state just fine, if those signs at all the rest stops are any indication.

The DOT has gotten involved because the wily insect will travel between towns and states by stowing away inside cars and trucks. The agency is asking motorists to check their vehicle's interior, wheel wells, and their truck's bed and cap.

"They also need to inspect any like anything that's been outside, such as firewood, camping equipment, recreational equipment, boats, trailers, that sort of thing, just to make sure that they're not inadvertently transporting any insects," Smith warned.

Native to China, India and Vietnam, the sap-feeding, plant-hopping SLF was first discovered in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014. In the fall, adults about 1 inch long can often be found congregating on tree-of-heaven, willows and other flora. They will lay egg masses on trees and almost any nearby surface such as rocks, decks, houses, outdoor equipment and furniture. Nymphs will hatch from the eggs from April to June.

If you suspect you have found a spotted lanternfly, snap a picture of it, collect it if possible, and report it to ReportSLF@ct.gov.