The Emerald Ash Borer is a pest that threatens to destroy all Ash trees in its path if left unchecked. While the debate still rages on how to handle that pest, using pesticides that may hasten bee colony collapse versus importing predatory wasps, a new more lethal insect may be on the doorstep of New Jersey. The spotted lanterfly has no known enemies, even birds do not like to eat them. But unlike the EAB, which only has an appetite for ash trees, the lanternfly enjoys pine trees, stone fruit trees (peach, plum, etc), and grape vines among the 70 species of trees it can destroy as it feeds and reproduces.

Right now, it has only been spotted in Pennsylvania. But it is nearing the New Jersey border.

See Tree-Destroying Bug article from North Jersey News, written by Scott Fallon for more information.

The discovery of the spotted lanternfly in eastern Pennsylvania has prompted a quarantine. (Photo: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture)

A cluster of immature spotted lanternflies. (Photo: Courtesy of Penn State Extension)