Spotted Lanternflies Plague Western Pennsylvania, Becoming a Nuisance for Residents
A sudden invasion of spotted lanternflies has caused havoc in Western Pennsylvania, with the tiny invasive insects swarming cars, homes, and other areas. The presence of these bugs, which are about the size of a quarter and have red and blue wings, has become a nuisance for residents who are finding it difficult to escape their infestation.
Residents like Moshe Marvit have been astounded by the sheer number of lanternflies covering their surroundings. Marvit, a lawyer from Pittsburgh’s Greenfield neighborhood, described his workplace parking lot as a scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s movie ‘The Birds,’ with tens of thousands of lanternflies covering every single car. The invasion doesn’t stop there, as Marvit’s back patio has also been taken over by these critters, making it uncomfortable to spend time outside.
Reports of lanternfly swarms have been pouring in from various locations in Western Pennsylvania, including Green Tree, Monroeville, Murrysville, Greensburg, McKeesport, the North Hills, and even Kennywood amusement park. Particularly concentrated areas include Downtown and the North Shore of Pittsburgh. Tree care experts, such as Jake Milofsky from Tree Pittsburgh, have noticed a significant increase in lanternfly populations in the region over the past few years.
Spotted lanternflies, originally native to China, were first discovered in the United States in 2014 in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Although they were spotted in Western Pennsylvania as early as 2019, their numbers have grown significantly this summer. Currently, 51 out of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, including Allegheny and Westmoreland, have been placed under quarantine due to the presence of lanternflies. It is expected that they will continue spreading north into other counties.
While these insects pose no direct danger to humans, they do feed on vegetation and can cause damage to grape vines, apple orchards, and other plants. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, lanternflies’ feeding activities can stress plants, decrease their overall health, and potentially lead to their death.
Despite their harmful impact on plants, spotted lanternflies are unlikely to cause the same catastrophic effect on trees as other invasive insects, such as emerald ash borers. They secrete a sugary waste called honeydew, which attracts other insects and can cause an unsightly black fungus to grow. However, Milofsky reassures homeowners that their presence does not pose a direct threat to trees. Although they may weaken them, they are not capable of killing trees quickly.
The exact origin of the spotted lanternflies in the Pittsburgh region remains uncertain, but it is suspected that they hitched rides on human transportation. The insects have been discovered in unexpected places, such as the hood of cars. Young residents like Derek Haeussler in Oakland have described the infestation as being so severe that the sidewalks are like a warzone with crushed lanternflies everywhere.
Efforts to control the lanternfly population have been challenging. Sandy Feather from Penn State Extension suggests stomping on them when spotted. Homemade insecticides can also be effective, but it is crucial to minimize potential damage to native insects and other small animals that could be affected. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture recommends building traps called Circle Traps using household items.
Although spotted lanternflies have become an unwelcome presence in Western Pennsylvania, both experts and residents have resigned to the fact that eradication is no longer possible. Reports of lanternfly sightings should still be filed to facilitate research and help refine treatment methods for the coming years.
In conclusion, while spotted lanternflies continue to swarm Western Pennsylvania, their presence is considered a significant nuisance rather than an immediate hazard. Efforts to control their population and minimize the damage they cause to vegetation are ongoing. Although the invasion is concerning for residents, Pittsburghers are advised to get used to the presence of these invasive insects in the region.
