This year, some folks in southeastern Pennsylvania are wondering if their favorite evergreen tree might also bring with it a not-so-festive ornament — a spotted lanternfly egg mass. Real Christmas tree traditionalists need not worry, however, according to a Penn State Extension educator.
Citizens are important allies in the fight against the spotted lanternfly, a war that is being waged in 13 counties -- Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and Schuylkill.
Penn State Extension Master Gardeners have been lending their time and expertise to aid in the spotted lanternfly battle.
To aid homeowners in reducing spotted lanternfly populations, Heather Leach, Penn State's spotted lanternfly extension associate, offers management recommendations based on life cycle and season.
Penn State is asking visitors to University Park, especially those coming from southeastern Pennsylvania, to take precautions before traveling to help reduce the spread of the spotted lanternfly.
Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences helped to assemble a multistate, interdisciplinary task force of more than 80 university, regulatory and agricultural industry representatives to fight the looming threat presented by the spotted lanternfly.
The looming threat posed by the invasive spotted lanternfly will take center stage in the College of Agricultural Sciences Exhibits Building and Theatre during Penn State's Ag Progress Days, Aug. 14-16. Displays and presentations in the building also will highlight programs related to pond management and bait-fish production, hemp research, animal health, and agricultural policy.
The Franklin County Penn State Extension office will host a community meeting about the spotted lanternfly at 6:30 p.m. on July 26 in the General Studies Building Auditorium at Penn State Mont Alto.
Associate Biology Teaching Professor Karen Kackley told 69 News how people should look for spotted lanternfly egg masses and remove them while dressed up as one.