STATE COLLEGE - An invasive insect species from China continues to grow in population size and it's causing big concerns for our local agriculture. Scientists said the Lantern Fly is a massive threat to Pennsylvania and Penn State is helping to spearhead control efforts.
It was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014 in Berks County. It can now be found in 13 different counties. While central PA has not been affected, scientists say it could be only a matter of time.
Heather Leach, a lantern fly expert, said it threatens grapes, hops, and wood; all worth billions of dollars in exports. Part of her job is to find out how to control and destroy the population.
"We are doing research to try to find what natural predators the insect may have," said Leach.
The Lantern Fly lays its eggs on hard surfaces, like wood and trees. Leach said populations inside the quarantine areas, all in eastern Pennsylvania, are so large that growers must constantly be spraying their plants with pesticides.
The invasive insects are also great travelers, and can easily attach themselves to the bottom of car.
Experts advise everyone to know what the Lateran Fly looks like, as well as it's eggs. Leach said everyone needs to do their part to stop the insect from spreading throughout the state.
For more information, you can visit the PA Department of Agriculture's website.
http://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/PlantIndustry/Entomology/spotted_lanternfly/Pages/default.aspx
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