NCDA&CS – Plant Industry Division has received numerous reports of potential Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) finds in our state over the past year and although some of the images sent to us did contain a live SLF life stage, our investigation and follow up surveys have not found any established populations. However, the increasing spread of SLF in Virginia has us especially concerned that the pest may have hitchhiked to NC this summer. Finding and reacting immediately to SLF will be the only chance we have at control, so we are relying heavily on NC Cooperative Extension helping us spread the word to Master Gardeners and citizens to be on the lookout and report any potential SLF sightings at badbug@ncagr.gov .
Be on High Alert
Alarmingly, we received notice from the Virginia Department of Agriculture that Spotted Lanternfly now has an established population in Carroll County, just north of Surry County, North Carolina. We are ramping up survey and outreach efforts in that area, however any vehicle, camper and commodity moving from any SLF infested area could move the highly invasive pest to our state. We believe the highest risk areas in NC are locations with camping, tourist attractions, conventions or other visitor attractions, but we cannot rule out even a single vehicle that stops in our state for gas could carry a gravid female or viable egg mass. Most recently we learned that SLF can even move on the exterior of aircraft and the insect may not require Tree-of-Heaven to complete its lifecycle. SLF feeds on more than 70 plants and although vineyards are at greatest agricultural risk, home values, tourism and outdoor venues are just a few industries that take a financial hit in areas where SLF is established.
Other SLF infested areas in Virginia include Prince William, Shenandoah, Page counties, the cities of Lynchburg and Winchester, and the quarantined Frederick, Clarke, and Warren counties. Additional states with established Spotted Lanternfly populations include: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia. New infestations are being found regularly so adjacent states to those listed above could potentially carry Spotted Lanternfly as well.
Notice to Vineyards
SLF threatens production of both Old World and New World grapes as well as tourism associated with these operations. Feeding can reduce sugar content in fruit and can kill vines by weakening their ability to survive freezing temperatures. In heavily infested areas, untreated vineyards can be completely destroyed in three years. Adult Spotted Lanternfly tend to swarm mid-September to mid-October, which can lead to restricted treatment options prior to harvest. Swarms of Spotted Lanternfly are also an incredible nuisance to guests and can reduce enjoyability of outdoor events (e.g. weddings) that your venue may host. Furthermore, Spotted Lanternfly can lay eggs on any flat surface, including the vehicles of visitors to your property which will further its spread.
This video about the Spotted Lanternfly was created for the NC Winegrowers Association virtual conference earlier this year: Spotted Lanternfly - YouTube. Vineyard Preparedness Kits can be requested by emailing badbug@ncagr.gov.
Notice to Christmas Tree Producers
Christmas tree producers often have fields in both North Carolina and Virginia or purchase trees from Virginia to fulfill orders. Spotted Lanternfly does not feed on Christmas tree species, however, adults could lay highly camouflaged eggs on the stems. Producers should train their staff to look for dead adults and egg masses that may be in the tree. Despite rumors, the SLF find in Carrol County, Virginia does not prohibit the sale or movement of Christmas trees harvested in that area. If Extension Agents get calls this season about insects emerging from homeowner Christmas trees, the description may sound like cinara aphids when they are, in fact, hatching SLF. If SLF is suspected, the homeowner should be directed to contact NCDA&CS - Plant Industry Division immediately by emailing badbug@ncagr.gov.
Our Newest Tools
NCDA&CS – Plant Industry Division is excited to add two new SLF team members to our staff in less than a week. Kita and Neeko are USDA trained SLF detector dogs that will be used to find SLF egg masses in an array of challenging situations. Kita’s Handler is Jackie Fredieu, Entomology Program Specialist and the pair will be stationed in Raleigh and Neeko’s handler is Chad Taylor, Western Region Field Supervisor who is based in Boone. Kita and Neeko will be deployed daily to survey high risk sites across the state and will be critical in our follow up investigations of SLF reports.
Outreach is Critical
All 101 Extension offices were sent SLF Kid Activity packets that contained fun activities geared at getting our young citizen scientists looking for this ‘bad bug’. If your office would like more of these kits or if you are interested in our outreach posters, 6’ SLF free standing banner, pest alerts for your information areas or other SLF swag to help us spread the word please reach out to Amy.Michael@ncagr.gov. The following SLF videos may be useful training tools for staff, master gardeners or targeted industries:
https://gardening.ces.ncsu.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Should you have any questions, concerns or would like to learn more about SLF, please contact Amy.Michael@ncagr.gov, Paul.Adams@ncagr.gov, Allison.Ballantyne@ncagr.gov or Joy.Goforth@ncagr.gov
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