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Spotted lanternfly monitoring continues

The coordinator of the Illinois Agricultural Pest Survey says efforts are continuing to monitor the movement of the invasive spotted lanternfly.

Kelly Estes tells Brownfield it can be especially damaging to vineyards and fruit trees.

“We did have that positive find in Cook County.”  She says, “We continue to encourage people to report any potential suspects that they think they might come across, even into fall.  The potential for seeing the adults present is the insect stage we’re looking for.”

She says the population found last year in Illinois survived the winter, and officials expect further movement.

“You know the potential for it to move is there.”  She says, “Hitchhiking in movement by humans is what is going to move this particular pest longer distances.”

Estes says the bright red and black spotted pest has now been found in 18 states.  She says resources can be found online to help with identification, and those who think they’ve captured a spotted lanternfly should contact [email protected].

AUDIO: Kelly Estes – IL State Ag Pest Survey