Spotted Lanternflies Back In NJ: How To Stop The Pests

NEW JERSEY - Spotted lanternflies have already hatched in New Jersey, but there’s still time to stop them in their tracks before they can fly.

The invasive species, originally from China, India and Vietnam, has the potential to impact “economically important” agricultural crops and hardwood trees, according to the state Department of Agriculture. Spotted lanternflies also excrete a sugary substance while feeding, which can attract bees and wasps, as well as promote growth for mold that can cover patio furniture, cars and forest understories.

At the nymphal stage, which lasts from May to July, the lanternflies have no wings and are strong jumpers. Experts instruct Garden State locals to stomp on the creatures while they still can’t fly.

Spotted lanternflies were first discovered in the U.S. in Berks County, P.A., on a shipment and has since spread to eight other states, including New Jersey. Officials first detected New Jersey populations in 2019. Read More: Spotted Lanternflies Keep Spreading. NJ Wants You To Kill Them

While the insects are slated to become full-fledged adults around July, there are already 13 New Jersey counties in the state’s “quarantine zone” for spotted lanternflies. These counties are Burlington, Camden, Essex, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Salem, Somerset, Union, and Warren. Those living in the aforementioned counties are instructed to use this checklist before moving items like backpacks, bicycles, trash cans, lumber and more.

Residents are urged to report any sightings outside of the quarantined counties to the state Department of Agriculture.

Patch previously collaborated with Duke Farms environmental experts at the Hillsborough nature preserve to show readers how to make their own lanternfly trap. Read More and See Video: Catch And Kill NJ Spotted Lanternflys With This Trap

Young juvenile spotted lanternflies that hatch are black with white spots. As they grow, nymphs become red and black with white spots. Nymphs then mature into adults in late July-August and have a black head, grayish black spotted forewings, and reddish black spotted hind wings. Egg-laying occurs in October, according to Rutgers New Jersey Experimental Station.

With reporting by Alexis Tarrazi.