If you see a lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), get rid of it immediately. Native to China, this invasive insect first appeared in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since caused serious damage to agriculture and ecosystems. Lanternflies feed on plant sap, weakening trees and plants while promoting the growth of harmful sooty mold.
Adults are about an inch long, with gray wings, black spots, and red and black underwings. Nymphs are black with white spots, turning red before maturing. They use needle-like mouthparts to drain sap from plants.
To combat them, squash adults and nymphs, and destroy egg masses, which resemble gray mud smears. Scrape eggs into a bag with alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill them. Acting quickly can help protect our environment from further harm.
