PUBLIC OUTREACH

 

The spotted lanternfly is a nuisance pest that poses a serious risk to the agricultural industry (5). Prompt identification and control are needed to prevent a widespread outbreak in Virginia and throughout North America (1). In 2018, the Virginia Cooperative Extension in partnership with the Master Gardeners Association developed the Citizen Scientist Detection Program for Spotted Lanternfly to help monitor the pests spread in Virginia (2).

 

This citizen science detection program is primarily focused on engaging Master Gardeners (2). Real-time observations are used to map spotted lanternfly populations and help scientists target infestations. Utilizing citizen scientists is cheap and requires minimal training, but the data collected is limited by the number of participants in the program. In 2018, 20 people volunteered for the pilot program. In 2019, there were 54 participants. In 2020, the pandemic disrupted much of the plans but there were still 46 people reporting data. The distribution of spotted lanternflies appears to be relatively isolated to northern Virginia, but populations can explode rapidly and lack of survey data could obscure the problem.

 

Greater program engagement and public awareness are needed to mitigate the spotted lanternfly threat. Recruiting more Master Gardeners would help improve outreach and provide more monitors for the spotted lanternfly detection program. Additionally, the citizen science project could be expanded to include schools, clubs, and other organizations. Public notices and slogans such as “See it? Stomp it!” are effective ways to educate residents about the insects. Social media is also a useful marketing tool to get the word out about spotted lanternflies and other invasive species like the tree of heaven.

  

Master Gardeners are responsible for disseminating reliable and current information to the general public (3). To address nuisance infestations, residents are recommended to use non-toxic management practices such as scraping of egg masses, swatting, stomping, tree-banding, and hosing with water (2). Another technique is to place a single band of sticky flypaper tape around the trunk of infested trees. The insects repeatedly drop to the ground, so they will be caught as they crawl back up the tree. This strategy is very effective in capturing and killing all stages of the spotted lanternfly except the eggs. Since the sticky bands are non-selective, there is a risk other insects, birds, or small mammals could get stuck in the trap. Therefore, placing a wire screen or fabric cage around it is recommended to protect wildlife. There are a few bacterial and fungal sprays that can be used to kill nymph and adult stages. However, those biological controls are slow-acting and limited by environmental conditions. In the case of more serious infestations, chemicals may be needed to target the pests. Pesticides should be used as a last choice because they pose a risk to the applicator and can have a lasting impact on pollinating insects, butterflies, bees, and other wildlife. Egg masses are very hard to identify and can be laid on various types of substrates, hence it is important to eradicate as many adults as possible before they lay eggs in the fall.

Once spotted lanternfly populations become established, they can be incredibly difficult and expensive to eliminate. To limit the spread of spotted lanternflies, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has imposed a quarantine on Clarke, Frederick, and Warren counties (4). Residents in quarantine zones must be able to recognize spotted lanternflies in every stage of development and are expected to inspect all personal items. Businesses located in those areas must have a working knowledge of the pests and obtain a permit to ship materials to un-infested areas (6). The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and National Invasive Species Information Center are reputable sources for more information. When residents have questions or concerns, they can also refer to their local extension office. 

 

Ultimately, the goal is to help scientists find integrated pest management solutions (2). Methods to control spotted lanternflies include a combination of destroying egg masses, application of insecticides, and removal of tree of heaven. Scientists are hopeful that the population will decrease naturally if generalist predators, birds, and lizards begin to recognize spotted lanternflies as a food source. Researchers are looking into using parasitic wasp spp. to attack spotted lanternfly eggs and nymphs. There may even be an opportunity to exploit the pests' preferred host tree, the tree of heaven (1). Understanding more about the seasonal host phenology of the spotted lanternfly will help with determining best management practices.

 

1. Kelly Murman, Gregory P Setliff, Cathryn V Pugh, Michael J Toolan, Isaiah Canlas, Stefani Cannon. Distribution, Survival, and Development of Spotted Lanternfly on Host Plants Found in North America, Environmental Entomology, Volume 49, Issue 6, December 2020, Pages 1270–1281, https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvaa126.

2. Spotted Lanternfly in Virginia. Department of Entomology | Virginia Tech. (2021, April 12). https://www.ento.vt.edu/4-H_Entomology/SpottedLanternfly.html.

3. Spotted Lanternfly Outreach (Master Gardener Program). Master Gardener Program (Penn State Extension). (n.d.). https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/outreach/spotted-lanternfly-outreach.

4. Spotted Lanternfly. Penn State Extension. (n.d.). https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly. 

5. Spotted Lanternfly. USDA APHIS | Spotted Lanternfly. (n.d.). https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/plant-pest-and-disease-programs/pests-and-diseases/sa_insects/slf.