The bugs can seem like a plague to human neighbors. But how bad is this infestation, really?
, a member of a group of sap-feeding insects known as “planthoppers.” They crawl up the sides of buildings; they feed at high densities on single trees, where their sugary excrement, known as honeydew, rains downs on anything below and attracts stinging bees and wasps. Because honeydew is sugar-rich, a sooty mold often grows on it, which visibly blackens trees, understory plants, decking and lawn furniture.
I have been involved with the spotted lanternfly threat for the last nine years. It may not seem that way to New Yorkers, but we’ve learned quite a bit in that time. As an expert on planthoppers, I am familiar with spotted lanternflies. An invasive bug first detected in South Korea in 2004, its feeding was damaging grape vines, fruit trees, ornamental trees and timber, and its presence was an all-around nuisance in residential areas.
American regulators recognized the potential threat, too. Within two weeks of the initial detection in Pennsylvania, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture assembled a group of scientists to pool our expertise. As one member of that original group, I have been involved with the spotted lanternfly threat for the last nine years.
It is a significant nuisance pest, feeding on over 70 different species of trees and plants found in North America. With such a broad diet, it tends to move across multiple habitats, feeding on plants across a range of landscapes: agricultural, urban, suburban, managed forests and parks.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How America’s Fine-Dining Chefs Fell in Love With Artisanal PizzaA group of pizzaiolos has taken the humble pie to tasty new heights.
Read more »
Superman Would Never Support Captain America's New Policy on KillingOnly one is a killer.
Read more »
The Tallest Waterslide in America Is Under Construction in this Midwest City: See the ImagesAmerica's tallest waterslide is under construction at Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI, and will tower 145 feet once completed in 2024.
Read more »
North America's summer of wildfire smoke highlights an emerging air quality trendCanada's seemingly endless wildfires in 2023 introduced millions of people across North America to the health hazards of wildfire smoke. While Western states have contended with smoky fire seasons for years, the air quality alerts across the U.S. Midwest and Northeast this summer reached levels never seen there before.
Read more »
Temecula drama teacher back in classroom after being put on leave over ‘Angels in America’“It was really great to be with my kids,” said Greg Bailey, who returned to teaching Monday, Aug. 28.
Read more »