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Multiple Spotted Lanternfly sightings reported locally

By Walt Frank 3 min read

Multiple confirmed sightings of Spotted Lanternflies have been reported in Blair County.

"I have been getting phone calls at Blair Fire Station about reported sightings that involve the SPL," said Mandy Burgoon, Service/Fire Forester for the Gallitzin State Forest, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

According to the state Department of Agriculture, as of Sept. 7, there were 129 public reports of lanternflies in Blair County and 21,706 statewide. In comparison, at this time last year, there were 94 reports from Blair County and more than 74,000 reports statewide.

This year, fewer insects have been reported in previously infested areas in the southeast part of the state and Berks County, even as areas like Harrisburg and western Pennsylvania are seeing increases.

"This doesn't necessarily mean the insects are completely under control in some areas. It just means they are moving. Scientists are not yet sure why areas like Philly are seeing far fewer insects," said Shannon Powers, agriculture department spokeswoman.

The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive insect that first arrived in the United States in 2014 in Berks County.

Coming from Asia, the insect has the potential to harm the state's economy by damaging crops, landscapes and natural ecosystems, including the grape, hardwood and nursery industries.

Pennsylvania's recently expanded Spotted Lanternfly quarantine zone encompasses 34 counties, including Blair, Cambria and Huntingdon.

In July, the agriculture department said it would begin canvassing quarantined counties for the pest to ensure businesses were doing their part to slow the spread.

The department announced the Spotted Lanternfly Compliance and Enforcement Team would be conducting spotted lanternfly permit and inspection record checks for businesses in Allegheny, Beaver and Westmoreland counties.

In August, the department canvassed Lackawanna County. Non-compliance notices were issued to 49 of the 71 businesses visited. Those given notice of noncompliance have

30 days before they could be subject to fines.

"We've been saying for a long time now that businesses are an important part of the fight against the Spotted Lanternfly. They should protect with a permit," state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said in a statement. "With a Spotted Lanternfly business permit and an educated workforce, we can stop this threat in its tracks while keeping business and commerce moving, trade and consumers protected."

If not contained, Spotted Lanternfly potentially could drain Pennsylvania's economy of at least $324 million annually, according to a study carried out by economists at Penn State. The Spotted Lanternfly uses its piercing-sucking mouth to feed on sap from more than 70 different plant species. It has a strong preference for economically important plants including grapevines, maple trees, black walnut, birch, willow and other trees. The feeding damage significantly stresses the plants which can lead to decreased health and potentially death.

The insect first was reported in the Altoona area of Blair County in August 2019, according to a study conducted by Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

To report a sighting, call the Spotted Lanternfly hotline at 1-888-422-3359.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.

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