Help protect against the spotted lanternfly

August 26, 2020| Environment

By: Holly Odgers

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive planthopper native to parts of Asia. It was first discovered in the U.S. in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since spread to New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. There have been sightings in the area, including in Mt. Arlington.

Though the spotted lanternfly does not harm humans or animals, the insect poses a serious threat to agricultural crops, particularly vineyards, as well as to hardwood trees.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) has placed eight counties under quarantine, asking anyone traveling through Warren, Hunterdon, Mercer, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, or Somerset to “Look Before You Leave” and thoroughly check your vehicles for any sign of the insect.

What to do if you spot one

According to the NJDA, you do not need to report sightings if they are in one of the quarantined counties. However, if you see a spotted lanternfly, or its egg masses, in any unquarantined counties in New Jersey, you can report it by emailing a photo (if possible) to reportspottedlaternflynj@ag.nj.gov or by calling 1-833-233-2840. In addition, they add, “If you are able to eliminate the spotted lanternfly, please do so.”