Experts to discuss spotted lanternfly invasion at North Park

Penn State Extension is hosting a meeting about the invasive and destructive spotted lanternfly in the region at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 22 at the lodge in North Park.

Populations of the spotted lanternfly, the invasive plant hopper from Asia, have skyrocketed in Allegheny County: From Jan. 1 to July 11, there were 2,944 reports of spotted lanternfly, compared with only 102 reports during the same time in 2021, for all of Allegheny County, according to the state Department of Agriculture.

North Park was one of the first places where lanternflies were found in the Allegheny County Park system, said Amie Downs, Allegheny County spokeswoman.

Currently, there are some heavy infestations in parts of the North Shore and Pittsburgh, said Sandy Feather, a Penn State Extension educator based in Pittsburgh.

“This increase could be due to increased public awareness about this pest and how to report it, as well as an increase in spotted lanternflies to the area,” said Katie Schroeder, communications director for the department. “Unfortunately, we cannot predict where the insect will decide to go, but that’s all the more reason for an informed public to continue reporting and communicating with the department,” she said.

The insect isn’t dangerous but damages grape vines, fruit trees, ornamental plants, woody plants and trees, and kills grapevines, according to Penn State Extension. The lanternfly also excretes sticky honeydew.

Emelie Swackhamer, a horticulture extension educator based in Montgomery Country who has been working on the lanternfly infestation for eight years, will lead the presentation at North Park. The pesky insect has spread to 45 counties in the state as well as other Northeastern states. Allegheny and Westmoreland counties are state-designated lanternfly quarantine areas, where businesses and residents are asked to find and get rid of the invasive pests.

Kristen Heinze, a plant inspector with the state Department of Agriculture, will discuss the spotted lanternfly permit. Businesses that move products and vehicles in and out of quarantined counties are required to have the permit. The lanternfly infests new areas by hopping onto or laying eggs in vehicles and goods.

Report lanternfly sightings to 1-888-4BAD-FLY (1-888-422-3359) or online: extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly.

The spotted lanternfly presentation will take place at the North Park Lodge, 5000 N. Ridge Drive, Allison Park. The event is free but attendees register online by Aug. 21. Sign-up at extension’s website.