See A Spotted Lanternfly? NJ Wants You To Kill Them

TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey agriculture officials have renewed their push for residents to kill the invasive spotted lanternfly as the bug has continued to spread throughout the state.

State officials issued the call to kill the bugs as the Department of Agriculture has been receiving “many phone calls, emails, and other messages asking what residents can do when they find (spotted lanternflies) in their communities,” the department said in a news release.

There are 48 federal and state personnel conducting surveys and treating areas against the bug, which is native to Southeast Asia and first was seen in New Jersey in 2018. It has since spread throughout the state, with sightings recorded in every county. Eight counties are under quarantine, meaning there are requirements and permits needed for companies doing landscaping, remodeling, hauling firewood or other materials into and out of those quarantined counties, state officials say, to try to stop the spread.

A total of 924,128 acres are involved in the surveys and treatment, with treatments occurring on 22,328 acres across 584 properties, officials said.

The spotted lanternfly feeds on the sap from more than 70 plant species, including grapevines, maples, black walnut, and it has a strong preference for economically important plants. “The feeding damage significantly stresses the plants which can lead to decreased health and potentially death,” state officials say.

It also shows a preference for the “tree of heaven,” an invasive tree that is common throughout New Jersey, state officials said.

“While it does not harm humans or animals, it can reduce the quality of life for people living in heavily infested areas,” state agriculture officials say.

What you can do to help fight the spread

New Jersey officials said residents can take several steps to help stop the spread of the spotted lanternfly:

This insect is an excellent hitchhiker and is easily moved if no one is looking. If you are in the quarantine area, please “Look Before You Leave.”

Inspecting your vehicles, trailers, or any outdoor items before you move around or out of a quarantine zone is important. If possible, don’t park under tree lines and keep windows rolled up when parking your vehicle. Familiarize yourself with the life stages of the insect and when in the season to look for them. Descriptions and photos of each stage are available here.

Survey your own property and community for possible spotted lanternfly life stages. Any efforts you make in destroying the Spotted Lanternfly or its egg masses will help you and the community reduce populations.

The state agriculture department and federal officials maintain a database that tracks reported sightings of the bug.

To report sightings and find treatment recommendations go to www.badbug.nj.gov and click on the Spotted Lanternfly photo. Sightings can also be reported by emailing SLF-plantindustry@ag.nj.gov.

“The database is used to help determine infested areas and possible treatment for high-risk properties. Treatment is based on location, risk, and available funds,” officials said.

“It will take everyone’s determination to bring this outbreak under control. When you see spotted lanternflies you are encouraged to destroy them and remove egg masses from trees, plants or other surfaces," state officials said.

Click here to get Patch email notifications, or download our app to have breaking news alerts sent right to your phone. Have a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com