BETHEL

IMPORANT – LANTERNFLY INFORMATION!

Hello everyone!

My name is Ashley Cole, and I am the new spotted lanternfly coordinator with the Delaware Department of Agriculture. I wanted to reach out with information regarding spotted lanternfly in the event you receive any questions regarding the pest. Please feel free to forward this email to anyone who finds this information helpful!

As it is now August, spotted lanternfly are becoming more noticeable as they are now in their adult stage. In this stage of life, they are much bigger, they can fly, and they have their characteristic coloring many people recognize. We have been getting an influx of calls, emails, and reports of the pest at the Department.

If a constituent is asking what can be done to manage spotted lanternfly on their property, please refer them to our website (de.gov/hitchhikerbug). Our website contains a database of certified commercial applicators who can treat their property. We also recommend they contact pest control, tree care, or landscaping companies with experience in handling spotted lanternfly for treatment. If your constituents are looking to treat their properties themselves, we also have a list of approved active chemical ingredients, which I have attached to this email, that are known for being effective in killing spotted lanternfly. Many home improvement stores and garden centers also sell pesticides that can be helpful with managing spotted lanternfly. Chemicals listed as being for plant hoppers is what we recommend.

Another resource is calling the University of Delaware Extension office. They have many resources regarding spotted lanternfly. They can also give your constituents the number to the master gardener office for their county. Master gardeners have been trained in providing information to the public regarding spotted lanternfly.

We would also like to note that the Department is unable to treat private residential properties. Per our agreement with the USDA, we are to prioritize properties labeled as high risk. These properties are usually large commercial properties with heavy traffic, or areas near rail lines, highways, shipping plants, and lumber yards. The Department also treats properties with agricultural commodities such as vineyards and orchards. We focus on these areas to better control Delaware’s overall spotted lanternfly population, and to prevent spotted lanternfly from moving into surrounding states.

Lastly, you can always refer your constituents to our lab email, hitchhikerbug@delaware.gov, for additional questions not answered in this email.

We thank you for your help with controlling spotted lanternfly in Delaware!

Best Regards,

Ashley Cole

PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING FOR APPROVED TREATMENTS:

SLF-Approved-Chemicals-for-Treatment