Spotted Lanternflies Keep Spreading. NJ Wants You To Kill Them

NEW JERSEY — Much of New Jersey remains under a different kind of quarantine — that of the spotted lanternfly variety. But wherever you are, if you see one, New Jersey wants you to destroy it.

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species native to China, India and Vietnam. It was first discovered in the United States in Berks County, Pennsylvania, on a shipment and has since spread to eight other states, including New Jersey.

The insect has the potential to "greatly impact" agricultural crops and trees, according to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. The spotted lanternfly feeds on sap from more than 70 different plant species, leading to the plants' decreased health and potentially death.

Officials first detected New Jersey populations in 2019. As a result, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture issued an eight-county quarantine: Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Salem, Somerset and Warren.

A spokesperson for the department confirmed Thursday the eight counties remain under quarantine.

"We are asking people to destroy the spotted lanternfly if possible when they see it," said spokesperson Jeff Wolfe. "Then go to www.badbug.nj.gov and click on the spotted lanternfly photo, and click on the Report A Sighting link and fill out the form. That is very helpful to us. The website also has links for resources for homeowners and business owners, which include treatment options."

Those in quarantined areas should inspect vehicles for spotted lanternflies and inspect outdoor items, such as packing bins, firewood, paving stones and lawn equipment for egg masses, according to the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station of Rutgers University.

But the bugs can be found elsewhere throughout New Jersey. One mayor in a non-quarantined county warned residents Thursday that they've been found in the area.

"It looks like these invasive and destructive creatures have found Morristown," said Tim Dougherty, the town's mayor. "They may look unique and pretty but they must be killed."

Three years ago, the bug was found in only three counties.

While the spotted lanternfly is not a threat to humans or animals, it is known to feed on numerous types of vegetation. One of the potentially damaging things this bug can do is prey on dozens of types of crops and trees, and they reportedly can attach themselves to the bark of Christmas trees to lay their eggs and multiply, state officials say.

Spotted lanternfly egg masses hold between 30-50 eggs of the invasive species. One sign to look for to see where lanternfly has been is a black sooty mold on a tree. The spotted lanternfly prefers the Tree of Heaven, which is common in New Jersey.

NJDA and USDA crews have combined to treat more than 20,000 acres and have destroyed thousands of egg masses on nearly 600 properties throughout this past winter season.

Nymph and adult spotted lanternflies cause extensive damage when they feed, sucking sap from stems and leaves and causing the plant to ooze and weep.

Not only does the plant die but the "fermented odor" caused by the feeding, along with the fluid excreted by the insects themselves, promotes mold growth and draws even more insects, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Department field crews have been conducting surveys for this insect along the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border since 2014.