Should Wisconsin be Concerned with the Spotted Lanternfly
Should Wisconsin be Concerned with the Spotted Lanternfly
Should Wisconsin be Concerned with the Spotted Lanternfly? The Spotted Lanternfly has not yet been officially confirmed in Wisconsin, but the state is actively monitoring for them because they have been found in neighboring states like Illinois and Michigan. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is urging residents to be on the lookout for the invasive pest and to report any sightings immediately through its website or hotline to aid in early detection and response.
Should Wisconsin be Concerned with the Spotted Lanternfly and why?
- Spotted lanternflies threaten a variety of crops and trees, including grapes, hops, maple, and walnut, which are important to the state’s economy.
- They can weaken plants by feeding on their sap, cause sticky “honeydew” to drip which promotes black sooty mold, and attract other insects.
- The insects can “hitchhike” on vehicles, firewood, and other outdoor equipment, making their spread to Wisconsin likely.
What you should do if you see one
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Kill it:The DATCP advises killing any spotted lanternfly you see by stomping on it.
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Scrape egg masses:If you find an egg mass, scrape it off, put it in a plastic bag with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol, seal it, and throw it in the trash.
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Take a photo and report:If you think you have found one, take a picture and report the sighting immediately to the Wisconsin DATCP.
How to help prevent their spread
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Inspect vehicles:When leaving a high-risk area, check your vehicle, trailers, and any outdoor gear for the insects or their egg masses.
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Check firewood:Do not transport firewood, especially if you are traveling from an area where the spotted lanternfly is known to exist.
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Remove “tree of heaven”:The insect’s favorite host plant is the tree of heaven.Removing this invasive species from your property can make it less appealing for spotted lanternflies
Expert Guidance for Your Trees
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