USDA develops strategy to combat spotted lanternfly attack

News

USDA develops strategy to combat spotted lanternfly attack

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is stepping up its efforts over the next five years to contain the spread of the spotted lanternfly.

Nikki Rothwell, a fruit educator with Michigan State University Extension, tells Brownfield that the invasive pest has appeared in 14 states since it was first discovered in 2014.

“We don’t worry as much about tree fruit, it doesn’t seem to be as big a problem with apple and cherry fruit,” she says. “I think it can be a little bit more problematic, or it seems to be more problematic with grapes.”

In their view, farmers and the public are called upon to eliminate the virus if they find it.

“It’s big, you see it right away, and then when they spread their wings it almost looks like a watermelon,” she explains. “It’s this bright pink with black spots, so it’s a pretty insect. I don’t think people would confuse it.”

Rothwell says Extension educators are closely monitoring the spread of pests and recommends that homeowners closely observe tree of heaven plants to determine if they prefer them.

AUDIO: Nikki Rothwell, Michigan State University Extension

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has released a strategy to contain the invasive pests, which includes enhanced plant protection and quarantine measures at high-risk points such as ports of entry and nurseries, research control measures and public education.