If you come across the lanternfly, scientifically known as Lycorma delicatula, you should take quick action. It came to the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014, originally from China. Since then, it has expanded quickly and seriously harmed the environment and agriculture.
Due to their insatiable appetite, these invasive pests degrade buildings and produce sticky honeydew that leads to the growth of sooty mold. They feed on the sap of several plants and trees. Regrettably, this mold impedes photosynthesis, which makes it harder for the plants to grow and thrive.
Lanternfly identification is not too difficult. The adult lanternfly’s wings are gray with characteristic black dots, and it can grow to a length of approximately one inch. Their underwings are a striking crimson and black combo.
Nymphs, on the other hand, have black bodies with white markings that eventually turn red as they get older. These pests rob the plants of their essential life force by puncturing the plant tissue and extracting the sap with a mouthpart that resembles a needle.
It’s imperative that you get rid of lanternflies right away if you happen to come across one. Thankfully, there are easy ways to make this happen. You can directly smash nymphs and adults to efficiently eliminate the problem.
Furthermore, the egg masses—which resemble smears of gray mud—must be destroyed. To achieve this, quickly end the eggs by carefully scraping them into a bag filled with alcohol or hand sanitizer.
By combating lanternflies, we contribute significantly to the preservation of our priceless plants and the habitat they require. These bugs are dangerous and can inflict a great deal of harm.
As a result, if you see a lanternfly, keep in mind the possible harm they may cause and take immediate action to help preserve the harmony and health of our ecosystems. If we work together, we can change things.
