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USDA strategizes spotted lanternfly attack

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is strengthening efforts to reduce the spread of spotted lanternfly over the next five years.

Michigan State University Extension fruit educator Nikki Rothwell tells Brownfield the invasive pest has been found in 14 states since first detected in 2014.

“We’re not as worried in tree fruit, it doesn’t seem to be a huge pest in tree fruits for apples and cherries,” she says. “I think it can be a little bit more problematic, or they seem to be more problematic in grapes.”

She says farmers and the public are being called on to squish the bug if they find it.

“It’s big, it’s noticeable, and then when they put their wings up, you can see it kind of almost looks like watermelon,” she explains. “They’re like really bright pink with black dots, so it’s a pretty bug. I don’t think people would mistake it.”

Rothwell says Extension educators are closely tracking pest movement, and recommends homeowners closely monitor tree of heaven plants which it prefers.

AUDIO: Nikki Rothwell, Michigan State University Extension

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has released a strategy to limit the invasive pest including increasing Plant Protection and Quarantine efforts at high-risk points, like ports of entry and plant nurseries, research control measures, and public education.