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HIGHLAND PARK GARDEN CLUB

HIGHLAND PARK GARDEN CLUB

HIGHLAND PARK GARDEN CLUB

SERIOUS INVASIVE INSECT PEST IN PA: THE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY

The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, is a destructive invasive pest, native to Asia, that was first detected in southeastern Pennsylvania in 2014. It has been spreading west-ward through the state, and has been detected in Allegheny County.

The Spotted Lanternfly poses a serious threat to agriculture, ornamental plants, and quality of life. It feeds on many plants, including economically important crops like grapevines, as well as ornamental plants found in many gardens. As of May 2020, 26 counties in Pennsylvania are under quarantine for SLF, including Allegheny County.  SLF has also been found in 5 other states in the northeastern U.S.

Spotted Lantern Flies have been spotted by HPGC members here in Pittsburgh! Let’s take action.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has mounted a vigorous campaign to control this pest, and needs everyone’s help.  Here are links to some useful fact sheets from the Penn State Extension Service:

Make Your Own Trap:

SPOTTED LANTERNFLY CIRCLE TRAP - video instruction for making your own trap for these pests.

ALTERNATIVE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY TRAP - a video for a simpler method, from the Allegheny County Parks Department.

Other resources:

”HAVE YOU SEEN A SPOTTED LANTERNFLY?” A fact sheet with great photographs of each life stage to make identification easier.

SPOTTED LANTERNFLY MANAGEMENT GUIDE, and SLF OUTREACH SHEET - these include what you, as a homeowner, can do on your property.

Spotted Lanternfly: What is it & why does it matter? PA Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet

Spotted lanternfly numbers on the rise in Allegheny County -  an Tribune Live article

An informative PowerPoint presentation is available, free of charge, from HPGC. If your organization would like to know more about the SLF and what to do if you find one, please contact hpgcpgh@gmail.com to schedule a presentation.

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