What 30 Years Of Spotted Lanternfly Spread In PA Could Look Like

PENNSYLVANIA — The spotted lanternfly, one of the most persistent and dangerous pests in Pennsylvania, remains as much of a threat as ever to the economy and environment of the state and region at large.

Indeed, should the invasive bug continue its current trajectory, according to research from iEcoLab and Temple University, it could vastly expand its territory. Forecasts published by the lab show its range more than quadrupling in the next 30 years.

"The spotted lanternfly is the worst bug in the commonwealth and capable of causing real damage to Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry," Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding said in a statement. "Over the past seven years, we’ve seen lanternfly travel from east to west in the commonwealth. We’ve seen vineyards devastated. It’s invasive environmentally, socially and economically."

Currently, the bug is largely contained to the eastern half of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. Projections have it covering the mid-Atlantic region from Virginia to Ohio by 2030, and covering parts of Wisconsin and Michigan by 2050. However, officials are optimistic there is a solution, one which could potentially prevent the forecasted spread.

"There is good news: Pennsylvania is home to 12.8 million people who are part of the solution," Redding added. "Working together, we can slow the spread. Working together, we can stomp out the threats of this invasive pest."

>>Spotted Lanternflies Now Hatching In PA: Here's How To Trap Them

A partnership of citizens, scientists, businesses, and government is needed to defeat the bug. One of the unique measures put forth by the state is a spotted lanternfly permit, which businesses gain when they complete training on how to kill the bug and limit its spread.

And it's not only people that can fight back. The Department of Agriculture now has its own spotted lanternfly-sniffing canine, a female German Shepherd named Lucky. She was specifically trained as a puppy at PennVet's Working Dog Center to find spotted lanternfly eggs.

In fact, Lucky is the first dog in the nation ever trained to detect the lanternfly. She works alongside Shane Phillips, a compliance and enforcement specialist with the state. Alongside her handler, she "uses her 225 million scent receptors to sniff out egg masses in places humans may overlook. When she finds an egg mass, Lucky is rewarded with a play session," 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," officials say.

There are now 34 counties across Pennsylvania under quarantine due to the lanternfly. Economically, the bug could potentially cause a loss of $324 million annually, as well as a loss of 2,800 jobs. It's also devastating to the area environment, and the sticky substance it excretes when it feeds can coat decks, outdoor furniture, equipment, and vehicles.

Here are a few more steps residents can take:

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.

For businesses, the Spotted Lanternfly Business Toolkit equips companies with what they need to contribute in the fight.

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