Help Mendham's Plants By Stomping Out Spotted Lanternflys

MENDHAM, NJ — Borough of Mendham officials are asking for the public's help in locating and "stomping out" Spotted Lanternflys, an invasive plant-hopper that can harm dozens of plant species by feeding on their sap.

"The spotted lanternfly uses its piercing-sucking mouthpart to feed on sap from over 70 different plant species," officials said on the borough's website. "It has a strong preference for economically important plants and the feeding damage significantly stresses the plants which can lead to decreased health and potentially death."

Anyone who sees a Spotted Lanternfly is encouraged to stomp it out and report it by filling out a form on the state of New Jersey's website.

Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) has a "healthy" appetite for the plants in Mendham, creating a significant nuisance that affects residents' quality of life and enjoyment of the outdoors, according to the borough's website.

Though the insect does not harm humans or animals, it can reduce the quality of life for people living in heavily infested areas by feeding on the sap of plants such as grapevines, maples and black walnut, according to NJ.gov, the state's website.

"As SLF feeds, the insect excretes honeydew (a sugary substance) which can attract bees, wasps, and other insects," NJ.gov said. "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 found below SLF feeding."

The insect is native to China, India and Vietnam and was first discovered in the United States in 2014, NJ.gov said.