(USDA Photo by Lance Cheung.)TRENTON, N.J. - Officials with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture announce instructions for handling the spotted lanternfly.The spotted lanternfly feeds on upwards of 70 different trees and plants.
The invasive insect was initially discovered in 2014 in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Currently, eight New Jersey counties are under quarantine, including Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Mercer and Salem.Residents noting infestations can find a variety of options for treatment on the NJDA website, here.
Experts do not recommend using items such as sticky traps, as those harm other wildlife.Spotted lanternflies will begin laying eggs in early to mid-September.