Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Found In Lower Merion Township

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA – An dangerous invasive insect has been found in Lower Merion Township, prompting officials to alert the public to the bug and ways to prevent its spread.

The spotted lanternfly, an invasive flying insect with distinctive markings, was found last week at the Harriton House property in the Bryn Mawr section of township, according to township officials.

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will continue to investigate sites in the area, expanding in a quarter-mile radius from each confirmed location, officials said.

The species, which has been steadily increasing geographically, was found in parts of northern Montgomery County a year ago, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announced then, according to the township.

Information on reporting the pest, best practices to avoid the continued migration, and treatments can be found online here.

Spotted lanternflies are not known to bite, sting or attack people, pets, or livestock, the state’s Department of Agriculture says in a published FAQ.

"But because of the damage spotted lanternflies do to agriculture and forestry products, [they] are a threat to the economic well-being of our state and its citizens."

The spotted lanternfly is native to China and was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014. It feeds on a wide range of fruit, ornamental and woody trees, with Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima, also an invasive species) being one of the preferred hosts. It has the potential to damage the grape, hops, orchards, hardwood, and nursery industries.

What to do:

For those who find the spotted lanternfly, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture recommends ways to destroy them or collect a specimen online here. A video of how to remove a spotted lanterfly egg mass is included below.

Homeowners can also watch a 20-minute presentation on the insect here.

You can also take a photo and submit it to Badbug@pa.gov. If you can’t take a specimen or photograph, call the Automated Invasive Species Report Line at (888) 422-3359 and leave a message detailing your sighting and contact information.

On May 26, a new spotted lanternfly Order of Quarantine and Treatment was published. A quarantine limits movement of commodities and home articles, and requires inspection and safe movement from the quarantine.

Patch file photo