Spotted Lanternfly Will Bug You Through Fall: Bloomfield Forester

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Fed up with spotted lanternflies? You may have to keep your cool for a while longer – they’re probably here for at least two more seasons, Bloomfield’s town forester says.

At a recent town council meeting, Tom Purtell, Bloomfield’s forester since 2019, said there has been a sharp increase in the spotted lanternfly population in town.

“This is going to be a nuisance kind of pest for about two seasons … that’s what seems to be happening,” Purtell said.

According to a statement from Bloomfield town officials, spotted lanternflies are expected to stick around until about December, with females laying egg clusters before winter.

Purtell advised local residents to refer to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture for information about how to control an infestation. Learn more here.

Although the insects don’t harm humans or animals, they can reduce the quality of life for people living in “heavily infested areas,” experts say. They feed on the sap of plants that include grapevines, maples and black walnut. Other host plants include the Tree of Heaven, fruit trees, ornamental trees, woody trees, vegetables, herbs, grains and vines.

As spotted lanternflies feed, the insects excrete a sugary substance known as “honeydew,” which can attract bees, wasps, and other insects. The honeydew also builds up and promotes the growth for sooty mold (fungi), which can cover the plant, forest understories, patio furniture, cars and anything else nearby.

Bloomfield Mayor Michael Venezia has recommended a plan be put together to formulate solutions in advance of next summer’s life cycle for the township parks. In the meantime, the best method for curbing their numbers is the “stomp/squish method,” which should be attempted after they have jumped once and have less energy, officials said.

What can local residents do to help control their spread? Here’s what the Department of Agriculture’s website says:

• “Inspecting your vehicles, trailers, or any outdoor items before you move around or out of a quarantine zone is important. If possible, don’t park under tree lines and keep windows rolled up when parking your vehicle. Familiarize yourself with the life stages of the insect and when in the season to look for them.”
• “Survey your own property and community for possible SLF life stages. Any efforts you make in destroying the Spotted Lanternfly or its egg masses will help you and community reduce populations.”

“Please do not panic,” state officials add. “The spotted lanternfly will NOT sting or bite humans or animals.”

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