'Dangerously' Invasive Fly Is Not In Montgomery County

A dangerously invasive fly which has been found in Pennsylvania has not yet been found in Montgomery County, contrary to previous reports.

The spotted lanterfly has only been found in Berks County, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, however, surveillance for the bug has been extended to Montgomery County and Lehigh County.

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

“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, a 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.

Pennsylvania 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.