Spotted lanternflies are back
and even though they might be pretty, officials say they are highly
invasive and destructive.
Officials say spotted
lanternflies have a red body with black and white polka dot wings. They hop
more than they can fly and are not harmful to humans. However, officials warn
that they are highly damaging to crops such as walnuts, grapes, blueberries, apples
and stone fruits.
Experts say lanternflies
tends to lay eggs on the tree of haven. The bugs don’t necessarily kill the
tree but an infestation can weaken the trees natural defense. This will
make the tree more vulnerable to other pest and diseases.
While the
city prohibits killing wildlife, the City Parks Department says if you
spot one to kill it immediately due to the severe damage and infestation can
cause.
City Parks Department says if you see a spotted lanternflies to call 311.