Philadelphia, PA - If you have ever been in Philadelphia, you've likely seen spotted lanternfly egg masses. These tiny insects, native to Asia, were likely transported here by cargo. They can lay their eggs in many places, especially dangerous places, like the ruins of old railroad tracks. Some scientists are looking into using computer vision to detect these egg masses, similar to how they've spotted infrastructure defects.
Identifying Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses
One way to protect your home from spotted lanternfly infestations is to identify their egg masses. These insects are often difficult to identify because they can attach to virtually any surface and blend in. Egg masses are easily transported from place to place, so you should take extra precautions when purchasing wood this winter. Also, always check your car since spotted lanternfly egg masses can often hide under your vehicle or in its wheel. Look for egg masses in late fall and early spring.
To identify spotted lantern fly egg masses, find them near a tree or in a garden. Like a tree, they may be laid on a branch or on a smooth surface. Egg masses may be gray or brown, and the females secrete a white foamy substance on them. The egg mass may contain as many as thirty or fifty eggs.
Trapping Spotted Lanternfly
Suppose you've noticed large, red bugs on trees or pavement in Philadelphia. In that case, you might be wondering whether they're spotted lanternflies. They're eggs that hatch in the spring and become giant hopping insects. Luckily, there's a good way to control them. Read on to discover how to trap them and avoid destroying your plants. Listed below are several tips.
The spotted lanternfly's mouthparts make them hard to squash. Their sucking mouths are made of a variety of parts. When they feed, they pierce the bark of a plant, sucking in its sap. It then excretes a sticky trail. This sticky residue will be a nuisance to you and your plants, and you may be tempted to kill them to save money.
Damage Caused By The Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted lantern fly was first detected in the United States in 2014 and has since spread across Pennsylvania and six other eastern states. It is already present in southern New England and is making its way into Ohio and Indiana. The spotted lantern fly is a tiny, polka-dotted insect native to Asia. Infestations of this pest can be disastrous for trees and plants. Fortunately, most people are not harmed by this insect. However, its eggs can cause significant damage to trees and structures.
Despite the extensive damage that spotted lantern fly eggs can cause to plants and trees, researchers are unsure exactly how much the flies cost the Pennsylvania economy. Estimated costs to homeowners range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the infestation. In Pennsylvania, agricultural harm from these insects is expected to exceed $300 million a year. To address the problem, the state is looking into several options.
