As the Spotted Lanternfly becomes more prevalent in Pennsylvania, the state department of agriculture highlighted a safe and effective trap that can be used to help control the invasive species.
On Thursday, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding came to the Indiana County Conservation District offices to highlight opportunities that Pennsylvania residents and businesses have to treat and manage the spotted lanternfly population. In late March, Indiana County was one of 11 counties that was added to the spotted lanternfly quarantine zone. Secretary Redding said that while a lot has been learned about the insect since it was first spotted in Pennsylvania in 2015, there is still a lot to learn. Redding says that it has truly become an invasive species.
He urges people to be on the lookout for Spotted Lanternfly egg masses, which look like dried gum or wood putty and destroy them.
He also recommended that people make their own “circle trap” using items like plastic milk jugs, duct tape, screen wire, hot glue and gallon sized food storage bags. Instructions on how to do that are on the Penn State Cooperative Extension website. He also said that pre-made traps are also available at many agriculture and nursery supply stores.
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