Invasive Insect Deemed Dangerous To Trees And Plants Makes Its Way To Vernon

VERNON, CT — A bug deemed dangerous to trees and plants seems to have found its way to Vernon.

The spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect that is a threat to agriculture and a variety of trees and vines, has been spotted in Vernon.

Two were recently found in Vernon. There have been reports of the of the pest elsewhere in Connecticut and the bug was spotted here as early as 2017, according to the UConn Extension office.

The Garden Barn Nursery on West Road reported finding one last month, town officials said.

Jeff Schambach, lead foreman with Vernon Public Works and the town's tree warden, recently found one at the public works garage on Hartford Turnpike.

The two locations are 1.8 miles away.

Schambach pulled no punches in describing the gravity of the situation.

"These insects are in Vernon and it’s important that if people see them, they kill them," Schambach said. “The spotted lanternfly is a real threat to our state's agricultural industry and we all can help limit the population."

Spotted lanternflies do not sting or bite, thus posing no a threat to people or pets. They do, however, feed on the sap of 70 to 100 different types of plants. This time of year, spotted lanternflies are entering their adult stage and have distinct features — gray wings with black spots and a set of red hind wings underneath.

The bugs, in adulthood, measure approximately 1 inch long and a half-inch wide when at rest. The insect's wingspan can measure up to 2.2 inches, experts say.

"Residents are encouraged to watch for these insects, especially in areas with grapevines, tree-of-heaven, bittersweet, maple, or black walnut," municipal officials said.

The insect is termed an "invasive planthopper," that is native to Asia. It was first detected in southeastern Pennsylvania in 2014.

It has since spread to multiple states.

In 2020, three years after sightings began trickling in, two small established populations were found in Fairfield County.

As of July 2025, the spotted lanternfly has been noticed in all Connecticut counties, but sustained populations have not been confirmed in every county.