Rotarian & Senior Extension Educator for Penn State Cooperative Extension, Robin Kuleck, was the guest speaker at the Rotary luncheon meeting July 23rd educating the club on the invasive
spotted lanternfly.
The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect from Asia currently found in southeastern Pennsylvania, and sightings have been reported in some neighboring states. The pest threatens important agricultural commodities, including the grape, hardwood, tree fruit, landscape and nursery industries - sectors that contribute nearly $18 billion annual to Pennsylvania’s economy.
This planthopper weakens plants by feeding on sap. It excretes a sticky, sugary substance called honeydew which attracts stinging insects, promotes the growth of sooty mold, and causes a messy nuisance for residents.
To help stop the spread of spotted lanternfly, the state has issued a quarantine order requiring the inspection of all items moving within or out of the area to prevent the transport of any living life state of the pest.
Any sightings can be reported to extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly.
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