By Hannah Williams | October 4, 2021
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa— Currently found in 34 counties in Pennsylvania, Spotted Lantern flies (SLF) are invasive insects that have spread throughout Eastern and Mid-Atlantic regions in the United States. Now starting to appear in major cities like New York, experts are giving tips and advice on how to kill these bugs.
“If you come across this striking, spotted bug, don’t hesitate. Kill it,” Ashley Wong said, a reporter from the New York Times. The invasive species has united New Yorkers in a campaign to eradicate the insect. To sum up the article (link below), if you see one…do everyone a favor and kill it.
Originally from China, and native to India and Vietnam, Lanternflies were first detected in Pennsylvania seven years ago. Although they can only hop or fly short distances, their reproduction rates are vigorous. In the current infestation, SLF have shown reproduce and entire generation per year, with females laying one or two egg masses each containing 30-60 eggs. Gross right?
While lantern flies aren’t dangerous, they feed on the sap of more than 70 plants, including grapevines, maples, black walnut, and other important plants that are essential to the agricultural growth in states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania. This invasive pest is a nuisance and officials are urging people to take matters into their own hands.
New York’s Department of Agriculture and the city’s Parks Department, gave locals direct and concise advise; if you see a SLF, “Stomp on it.” Of course there are other methods to eliminating this insect, but if you’re running low on time, a quick foot stop can do the trick!
Pennsylvania officials gave similar advice saying, “Kill it! Squash it, smash it…just get rid of it.” One study estimated that the damage could cost Pennsylvania $324 million a year. This insect is not economically savvy.
As an organization either working in agriculture or benefiting from agriculture, it’s within their power to create a campaign that will increase awareness. Letting the public know the negative impact the SLF can have on the economy and the environment, not only increases awareness, but also user engagement for that company.
A student at BYU Idaho, Melissa Nobbs created a PSA print campaign for the SLF to “…bring awareness and educate people about the importance of reporting sightings and destroying these lantern flies…”
As someone who hates the look of bugs, especially lantern flies, Nobbs did an excellent job at illustrating the insect in an artistic and meaningful way. Take a look at those campaign posters, and tell me you wouldn’t want those for your company.
For more information read the New York Times Article: How (and Why) to Kill a Lanternfly
For more updates follow Hannah’s Twitter