Spotted Lanternflies Invade The Jersey Shore: State Officials

JERSEY SHORE — While the masses travel to the Jersey Shore this summer, they might inadvertently bring some unwelcome guests. Spotted lanternfly sightings at New Jersey's beaches have become more prevalent, likely because of the invasive species' "hitchhiker" skills, according to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

The bug, which can harm plant life, has been sighted recently at several beaches in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, according to NJ Advance Media.

"They were up and down the entire eastern shore — Spring Lake, Manasquan and Bradley, all over the beach," Belmar Business Administrator Edward D. Kirschenbaum told the news outlet. "They were on the water, by the sand and on the boardwalk in Belmar. All the towns experienced the same thing."

The state agricultural department also confirmed its presence along the Jersey Shore. And the sightings have become more frequent because of the spotted lanternfly's particular skillset that makes it difficult to curb population spread, officials said.

"It has become more common as the spotted lanternfly is an excellent hitchhiker," the NJDA told Patch via email. "While it can fly only short distances (a few meters), it can latch onto any type of transportation for several miles, which has allowed it to spread to several states."

Spotted lanternflies don't harm humans or animals, and they don't sting or bite. But they can reduce the quality of life for people in heavily infested areas, according to the NJDA. The bug has a strong preference for "economically important plants," and its feeding damage significantly stresses those plants, leading to decreased health and potential death.

The spotted lanternfly is native to China, India and Vietnam but was first discovered domestically in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014. It has since spread to nine states, including New Jersey.

Shifting Protocols

The spotted lanternfly has united New Jerseyans around two basic protocols: stomping it out, and reporting sightings to the state agricultural department. The agency says reporting sightings is no longer necessary. But if you see a spotted lanternfly, you should still kill it.

• Related article: Spotted Lanternfly Hits New Stage: How To Spot The Pests In NJ

The state made reimbursement funds for spotted lanternfly treatment available for all counties — as much as $15,000 "and possibly more," the NJDA announced Thursday. The agency will distribute funds to counties based on costs accrued for chemical treatment associated with controlling the bug. See grant info and the application.

The NJDA also has 10 two-person crews, while the U.S. Department of Agriculture has 10 field staff focused on high-priority areas, such as the sea, airports, railway lines, railyards and major transportation corridors to reduce the spotted lanternfly's movement throughout the state. The crews also survey and assess properties as well as treat high-priority areas, the NJDA said.

The spotted lanternfly can feed on about 70 different types of trees or vegetation. The pests prefer the Tree of Heaven — an invasive plant that has been in the United States for decades.

The bug is considered a plant hotter and can fly only a few feet at a time. But its hitchhiking skills allow it to travel on almost any kind of transportation for several miles, which has allowed the spotted lanternfly to spread to different states.

The state agricultural department asks people to check their vehicles whenever possible before leaving an area to make sure no spotted lanternflies are coming along for the ride. Here's a checklist to help identify the bug and minimize its movement.

Find out more on the state's spotted lanternfly webpage.