Penn State calls on employees to help stop the spread of an 'invasive insect'

An invasive pest spreading throughout North America is now posing a direct threat to Penn State’s flagship campus, according to university officials.

Last week, Penn State reported the discovery of two spotted lanternfly nymphs on its University Park campus. The university is now calling on its employees to take action and help stop the spread of the worrisome insects, which can destroy crops and potentially disrupt local agriculture economies.

Penn State employees at all campuses who travel in or between quarantine zones are now required to take an online course surrounding the spotted lanternfly, the university said. Those workers are also asked to log findings after inspecting their vehicles for spotted lanternfly egg masses, which typically latch on to cars, houses, trees and other flat surfaces.

Officials warn that drivers who unknowingly transport lanternfly egg masses throughout the state could worsen the species’ spread.

Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture included Centre County among 11 added to its spotted lanternfly quarantine list. Now, 45 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties are quarantined, requiring businesses that move products, vehicles and other items through them to obtain specific permits.

According to the most recent available data, spotted lanternfly spread in Centre County remains limited. Only College Township was considered “infested” when the county became a quarantine zone in March. The Department of Agriculture is now tracking a few pockets of lanternflies scattered throughout Centre County.

Spotted lanternflies are harmless to humans and animals, but their sap-sucking habits can devastate crops. In 2019, Penn State researchers found the planthopper pests could annually cost Pennsylvania’s economy up to $325 million by destroying susceptible trees and plants, including nurseries, vineyards, hardwood products and Christmas tree farms.

“The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect that can affect us in many ways, from injuring trees and crops to creating honeydew, a material that encourages the growth of black sooty mold which then coats decks and play equipment, affecting our quality of life,” said Lysa Holland, an environmental compliance engineer in Penn State’s Environmental Health and Safety office. “Limiting their spread helps to lessen these impacts.”

The spotted lanternfly, native to Asia, was first found in Pennsylvania in 2014. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the pests have also spread to nearly a dozen nearby states, including Massachusetts, Indiana and Virginia.

Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to report spotted lanternfly sightings through an online form or by calling 1-888-4BADFLY. If fresh egg masses are found, experts recommend scraping them into a bag or container filled with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to prevent hatching.

To learn more about managing the spotted lanternfly’s spread, visit Penn State Extension’s dedicated website.