Spotted Lanternfly Invasion Spreads to 13 Counties

NEW JERSEY — Springtime in New Jersey means warmer weather, chances to enjoy the Shore and heightened awareness of a certain invasive species the Garden State has come to know. The spotted lanternfly continues to make its presence known, with quarantines in 13 counties.

Officials advise people in quarantine zones to stay extra vigilant of spotted lanternflies. While the bug doesn't sting or bite humans or animals, they can significantly harm crops and trees, creating negative environmental and economic consequences.

All counties in New Jersey except Cape May County have confirmed spotted lanternfly populations, according to the state Department of Agriculture. As of last August, eight counties were quarantine zones for the invasive animal: Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Salem, Somerset and Warren.

But since then, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture added five more counties to the quarantine list: Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris and Union.

The planthopper is native to China, India and Vietnam but also makes itself at home in South Korea, Japan and the United States. It was first discovered domestically in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 2014 and has since spread throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, New York, Connecticut and Ohio.

The insect feeds on the sap of many plants important to New Jersey, including grapevines, maples and black walnut. While spotted lanternflies don't harm animals or humans, they can reduce the quality of life for people in heavily infested areas, according to the state agricultural department.

When they feed, they excrete honeydew, which can attract bees, wasps and other insects. The substance also builds up and promotes the growth of sooty mold, which can cover plants, forest understories, patio furniture, cars and other surfaces.

The spotted lanternfly is a "hitchhiker," so it can easily travel when nobody's looking. That's why the state agricultural department advises people in quarantine zones to do the following:

• Check your vehicle: Before leaving a parking lot or work site, inspect vehicles for spotted lanternfly egg or insects. Check doors, sides, bumpers, wheel wells, grills and roofs. If found, destroy any eggs or insects you find.
• Inspect items being moved: Check shipping containers, propane tanks, pallets and other items being stored outdoors before they are moved offsite. Inspect incoming goods for egg masses and insects.
• Park with windows closed: The spotted lanternfly and its nymphs can enter vehicles unsuspectedly. When parked, make sure to keep windows closed. If possible, try to park 15 feet away from trees if in a quarantine zone.
• Remove and destroy pests: Crush nymphs and adult insects. Scrape egg masses into a plastic bag and place them in the trash.
• Remove host trees: Spotted lanternflies prefer the ailanthus tree, also known as “Tree of Heaven.” Try to remove trees from the business property to avoid attracting spotted lanternfly.
• Report sightings: Contact the state agricultural department to report sightings outside of quarantined zones. If possible, take a picture or capture the insect in alcohol.
• Comply with permitting: Businesses operating in quarantine zones must have permits to move equipment and goods. Visit here for more information about permits.

But wherever you are, if you see a spotted lanternfly, stomp it out. Report spotted lanternfly sightings here. State and federal agricultural officials use information in the database of reported sightings to manage the pest.