STROUDSBURG, Pa. — It’s a pretty little thing, just 1 inch long and a half inch wide at maturity, but it presents a major threat resulting in a quarantine order for Monroe County and twelve more eastern Pennsylvania counties. The menace is the spotted lanternfly, a new invasive insect that is native to Asia.
Researchers are working to learn the biology and behavior of the spotted lanternfly, but we know already that it feeds on the sap of more than 70 hosts, including grapes, apples, hops and various hardwood and ornamental trees. Additionally, its honeydew excrement attracts stinging insects and grows sooty mold that defaces surfaces such as decking.
Please join Penn State Monroe County Master Gardener Coordinator Lucy Auger on June 25 at 6:30 p.m. at The Friendly Community Center, 6683 Route 191, Mountainhome, PA 18342 for an informative session to learn about this insect, how it affects you and what you can do about it. Your actions can help protect major Pennsylvania industries, such as tourism, recreation and agriculture — not to mention your backyard and quality of life.
This program is free and open to the public. Preregistration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Preregister at www.thefriendlycommunitycenter.org or by calling 570-481- 4330, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information on Penn State Extension’s upcoming events in the area, call the Monroe County Penn State Extension Office at 570-421-6430, email MonroeExt@psu.edu or visit extension.psu.edu/plants/gardening/events.
— Penn State Extension, Monroe County