Delco Areas Being Treated For Spotted Lanternfly

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — Treatment for Spotted Lanternfly in Delaware County is underway as the invasive species plagues the region, according to officials.

The Delaware County Conservation District is working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to treat properties for the existence of Spotted Lanternfly in the county now.

Treatment has begun in Upland Park, Catania Park, Willow Park, and the Delaware County Emergency Training Center. All treatment is expected to be completed by August 31.

The County Council authorized the USDA to conduct treatment to control the Spotted Lanternfly population on County-owned properties after an assessment found the existence of Spotted Lanternfly and Ailanthus Trees.

Lycorma delicatula, commonly known as the Spotted Lanternfly, is a new invasive insect that has spread throughout southeastern Pennsylvania since its discovery in Berks County in 2014.

In 2018, the species was discovered in Delaware County.

The Spotted Lanternfly presents a significant threat to Pennsylvania agriculture, including the grape, tree-fruit, hardwood and nursery industries, which collectively are worth nearly $18 billion to the state's economy.

Ailanthus altissima, commonly called Tree-of-Heaven is an invasive tree from China and harbors invasive insect species, including the Spotted Lanternfly.

The spotted lanternfly attacks fruit trees. It feeds on the sap in trunks, branches, twigs, and leaves. As it digests the sap, the insect excretes a substance. There may be a buildup of the sticky fluid on infested plants and the ground below. The sap also provides a medium for growth of fungi, such as sooty mold, which can cover leaf surfaces and stunt growth. Plants with heavy infestations may not survive.

Potentially at stake are Pennsylvania' grape, tree-fruit, hardwood, nursery, and landscape industries, which generate crops and forest products worth nearly $18 billion annually. The insect can also cause damage to high-value ornamentals in home landscapes and can affect the quality of life for residents.

The USDA has begun treatment on County-owned properties. Trees smaller than six inches are being treated with a systemic herbicide. Trees larger than six inches are being treated with a systemic insecticide. The chemicals are applied to the identified trees with a basal bark spray (insecticide) or hack and squirt (herbicide) with USDA supervision.

All chemical application is done with a low-pressure backpack or bottle sprayers. Both the systemic herbicide and systemic insecticide have been found to have no or very minimal health effects on humans and pets.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture advises that the adult Spotted Lanternfly and nymphs can be mechanically destroyed, such as being swatted with a shoe.

If you encounter an egg mass, they suggest scraping the mass into a bottle that can be sealed. If you cannot scrape the egg mass into a container, mechanically destroy it as best as possible.