PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – Spotted lanternflies are storming in. What can you do to help? Stomp.
In mid to late April, Virginia Tech entomologist Eric Day said the spotted lanternflies are about to hatch and reappear in the area. Day manages the Insect Identification Lab in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Department of Entomology.
“The spotted lanternfly is well-established up and down the East Coast and in Virginia,” said Day. “It’s really a perfect invasive storm. We are moving from detecting and reporting it to managing it and reaching out to those who are potentially impacted.”
Spotted lanternflies affect industries including agriculture, forestry, logging, trucking and construction. The bugs damage trees and crops and are able to be transported via machinery and equipment that moves throughout the state.
According to Virginia Tech, they threaten crops like grapes, peaches and hops, as well as about 70 tree species such as pines, walnuts, maples and oaks.
Certain areas in Virginia have quarantines in place for the spotted laternfly by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). This means the department inspects vehicles moving goods across city and county lines for lanternfly and their eggs.
Some areas have seen the bugs present, but are not yet under quarantine. Take a look at the quarantine map of the Commonwealth here.
Homeowners are encouraged to examine their property for the bugs. When they are in the egg stage from November to April, it’s recommended to destroy egg masses. Then, when you see nymphs or adults, kill them on the spot. Places they can hide are cars, trailers, grills, kids’ playhouses and other areas outside.
Find out more information about the Spotted Lanternfly on the Virginia Cooperative Extension website at the link here.