Maplewood Township: Spotted Lanternflies In Northern New Jersey

Press release from the Maplewood Township:

August 12, 2021 - 4:33pm

Reports of the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), an invasive insect species, have recently increased in northern New Jersey. As this situation continues to develop, it is imperative that residents remain informed on the dangers of this species and the protocol if one is spotted. 

The Spotted Lanternfly, which is native to Southeast Asia, was first found in the United States in Berks County, PA in 2014 and has since spread into neighboring states. While these insects are not hazardous to humans or animals, they are still of great concern due to their negative impact on agriculture and vegetation. Feeding on over 70 species of plants, the Spotted Lanternfly causes damage and stress to impacted plants, typically resulting in death. In New Jersey, some at-risk plants include grapevines, apple trees, and maple trees. One plant that is particularly at-risk is the Ailanthus altissima, or Tree of Heaven. This tree, which is common accross New Jersey and Maplewood, is known for hosting large populations of Spotted Lanternflies. 

If you see a Spotted Lanternfly, the Township's Certified Tree Expert recommends taking the following actions:

Additional information on the Spotted Lanternfly, including resources for homeowners, is available through the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

This press release was produced by the Maplewood Township. The views expressed here are the author’s own.