Episode 36: Listen Up Homebuyers – Spotted Lantern Fly

Episode Summary

The spotted lantern fly is an invasive insect sweeping through the mid-Atlantic region of the country. Entomologist, Kenton Sumpter with the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Plant Protection and Weed Management, Spotted Lanternfly Program shares his expertise.

Episode Notes

Episode Notes
Entomologist, Kenton Sumpter with the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Plant Protection and Weed Management, Spotted Lanternfly Program is our guest on Listen Up Home Buyers! He offers is knowledge and expertise on the spotted lantern fly and how to manage the spread of this invasive insect.

:37 What is the spotted lantern fly and why should we care?

:44 invasive insects were found in Pennsylvania first and encompasses the midAtlantic region and found in Michigan

1:14 agricultural threat and a public nuisance

2:12 they land on people, annoying and secreet honeydew

2:50 they can cause mold to grow with what they secrete

3:03 this sooty mold is common but these insects secrete honeydew which causes this type of mold to grow

4:44 What action is recommended when you see a spotted lantern fly?

5:13 Spotted lantern fly swarm in September and October when they are laying their eggs before the winter

5:49 The spotted lantern fly is usually on a plant called the tree of heaven which is an invasive plant

6:30 What residents should do? Maintain sanitary vehicles, and check your cars before you drive.

7:32 Make a good faith effort to not bring the spotted lantern fly with you when you drive

8:20 no stopping the infestation, we can slow it

8:33 A cold winter would freeze them out but short of that, they are here to stay

8:57 Don’t spray chemicals to combat lantern flies you’ll kill the good bugs too

9:30 Be cautious that you don’t kill off the good insects

10:02 praying mantis may help but not the big green type as they are invasive insects native to China. The Carolina praying mantis is a good choice

10:30 spiders and other native insects are good

11:53 spotted lantern flys stay in groups

12:12 Females are huge in September and October as they are full of eggs

12:40 Landscape level pests so they don’t build nests

13:00 Eat vines, garden plants, 70-100 plant species that they will eat.

13:30 Recap-when you see the lantern fly, report where you find them but not if you are in Cecil and Harford counties or Hagerstown Maryland

14:10 Go to MDA spotted lantern fly or Maryland Department of Agriculture to learn more

15:26 [email protected] with questions, concerns, quarantines, permits, and more

15:43 moving regulated articles from/to the spotted lantern fly area, you’ll need a permit

17:29 We’ll have to co-exist with the spotted lantern fly

See pictures and more information on the spotted lantern fly on the following websites:

Maryland Department of Agriculture

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services

Department of Agriculture and Markets NY State

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