NORTHAMPTON URBAN FORESTRY COMMISSION SPOTTED LANTERNFLY NOTIFICATION
Northampton’s Urban Forestry Commission is requesting your help in preventing the spread of a non-native insect, the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), because the SLF’s preferred host tree, Tree-of-Heaven, is growing on or near your property. This bulletin will provide information about SLF and warning signs to watch for and report.
SLF is an invasive insect first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014. SLF damages a variety of trees, shrubs and vines by feeding on sap from the leaves, stems and trunks of host plants. It has the potential to impact a broad range of economically important crops which include grapes and wine, apples, peaches and maple syrup. A single SLF has been reported in Northampton and an infestation is present in Springfield.
The primary host plant of SLF is the non-native and invasive Tree-of-Heaven, (Ailanthus altissima) but it also targets grapevines, hops, fruit trees and backyard trees including maples, black walnuts, birches and many more.
SLF can occur in colonies numbering in the thousands. They excrete large amounts of sticky "honeydew" that may:
- Attract swarms of insects that hinder outdoor activities;
- Result in people getting honeydew on their hair, clothes, cars, outdoor furniture and other belongings when going outside;
- Promote the growth of sooty molds that negatively affect the growth and fruit yield of plants.
Signs to look for are:
- Black honeydew coating foliage;
- Swarms of bees, wasps and other insects attracted to the honeydew sap weeping from wounds in trees;
- A fermented odor;
- The juvenile and adult Lanternflies themselves.
From late September through late November SLF lays eggs on Tree-of-Heaven, other plants, and smooth surfaces including bricks, stone, lawn furniture, recreational vehicles, play structures, gazebos and fencing. Egg masses move from town to town mostly by their eggs being attached to vehicles (trailers, trucks, cars, RVs.).
If you see any signs of SLF, please immediately report it to the MA Department of Agriculture (MDAR) here:
https://massnrc.org/pests/pestFAQsheets/spottedlanternfly.html
The Northampton Urban Forestry Commission appreciates your efforts to protect our city’s tree canopy, local vineyards, orchards and our quality of life here in Northampton.
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