July marks the start of the spotted lanternfly’s most destructive phase as it grows its spotted wings. During this phase, the lanternfly is a significant threat to grapes, vineyards and fruit trees.
“Spotted lanternflies are a threat to the agriculture, forestry, logging, trucking and construction industries due to their capacity to damage trees and crops and hitch rides on machinery and equipment,” said Eric Day, an entomologist at Virginia Tech. “They are also a nuisance to homeowners.”
Adult spotted lanternflies are about an inch long and have gray forewings with black spots and bright red lower hindwings with black spots and a white stripe.
“In their adult phase, spotted lanternflies feed in large groups and produce a sticky, sweet waste product called honeydew,” said Day. “Honeydew builds up on the ground, surrounding vegetation, and other surfaces like houses and patios – which leads to the development of a plant-harming fungal disease called sooty mold.”
Honeydew also produces an intense, rotten smell and attracts additional pests.
Spotted lanternflies have been confirmed in 17 states and are concentrated mainly on the East Coast.
In Virginia, lanternflies are active in 48 cities and counties.
“The spotted lanternfly is an unfortunate lesson in being careful about what you move,” said Day. “Adult spotted lanternflies are very good hitchhikers. Make sure whatever you’re moving, it’s pest-free.”
Day said to check cars, trailers and equipment before moving them to another location.
“Kill them on sight, by stomping or squashing them,” said Day. “If you have a tree of heaven on your property, remove it.”
The invasive tree of heaven is the preferred host for lanternflies.
Quarantine areas in Virginia
Twelve counties and 10 cities are under quarantine, which means vehicles moving goods across city and county lines must be inspected by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the lanternfly and its eggs.
VDACS established a quarantine for:
- Albemarle County
- Augusta County
- Buena Vista
- Carroll County
- Charlottesville
- Clarke County
- Frederick County
- Harrisonburg
- Lexington
- Lynchburg
- Manassas
- Manassas Park
- Page County
- Prince William County
- Rockbridge County
- Rockingham County
- Shenandoah County
- Staunton
- Warren County
- Waynesboro
- Winchester
- Wythe County
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Crystal Graham
