'Dangerously' Invasive Fly Nears Montgomery County

A dangerously invasive fly is sweeping across much of Pennsylvania and is nearing Montgomery County, the state Department of Agriculture warns.

The spotted lanternfly disproportionately consumes grapevines, apple trees, stone fruit trees, and pine trees and has the potential to destroy ecosystems, according to officials.

It has been found in counties throughout the state, including Berks county, just a mile from the border with Montgomery County.

“Pennsylvania is a leader in the country for timber production and we have quite a large grape industry and we have orchards, so it definitely has been introduced to a sensitive area,” Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State Extension Educator, told 6 ABC.

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.

Montgomery County residents who find spotted lanternflies are asked to take a photograph if possible, immediately destroy them, and then alert the State Department of Agriculture at (717) 787-4737.

Photo credit: US Department of Agriculture.