The spotted lanternfly, an invasive fly that kills trees and crops has been found in our vicinity in New Jersey.
If you see a spotted lanternfly, report it and, kill it! Circle traps can be bought/made to protect trees.
Recently, the NJ Department of Agriculture added Somerset County to the State-wide quarantine list for spotted lanternfly. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect that feeds on the sap of trees, and eventually kills them. If you find any life stage of spotted lanternfly, you should try to destroy it. This insect is a threat to many trees and crops and we need help from everyone to try to prevent it from spreading.
While these insects do not target a single tree species (like the Emerald Ash Borer), the lanternfly is known to strongly prefer the “Tree of Heaven” (Ailanthus altissima). The potential level of destruction for our community’s trees and forests is devastating.
We request that you consider removing any Ailanthus trees on your property because they serve to bolster the lanternfly population.
If you have any questions about identifying a lanternfly, or Ailanthus trees, please see accompanying photos or links below.
For photos and more information:
Video on how to control invasive Ailanthus trees:
Why you should control Ailanthus trees:
- The Montgomery Twp. Shade Tree Committee & Environmental Commission
