#SPOTTED LANTERN FLY KILL DRIVERS#
#SPOTTED LANTERN FLY KILL FREE#

#SPOTTED LANTERN FLY KILL DRIVERS#

Q: Are there any other sources of information I can seek out?Ī: The Academy of Natural Sciences has published several blog posts, including one about the return of the SLF from earlier this summer and an interview with a Drexel biology teaching assistant from 2018, and is involved in some research to help track their spread.Know Your Zones: The spotted lanternfly is quarantined in several Eastern states, so drivers who travel through these areas need to be extra careful that they aren't moving this pest. Q: Where did spotted lanternflies come from?Ī: It is believed they came from Asia on a container ship and were first spotted in Pennsylvania back in 2014. You can also read up on updates and additional information from the PA Dept.

#SPOTTED LANTERN FLY KILL FREE#

Many will be out of reach or gathered in large numbers but feel free to swat them when you see them. The sticky tape can also trap desirable insects some of which are actively hunting the SLF.Ī: Kill every bug you see! Use your hand, a rolled-up newspaper or even your shoe and squash every single one you come across. Again, the cost to wrap even half of our trees makes this a poor option however, this is something that anyone can do at home on their own. Q: Why are you not wrapping tree trunks with sticky tape? That seems to work in catching adults.Ī: This is true and the sticky tape can be an effective method at trapping adults. This will kill the adults as they attempt to feed and should help to keep populations down in populated areas. now, we hired a tree care contractor to apply a systemic insecticide to the trunks of red maples near seating areas. observed the SLF feeding almost exclusively on red maples. Instead, we have focused on trees near outdoor seating areas, to keep the nuisance pest at bay where people will be seated outdoors.Ī: Last year the Grounds Dept. Q: What is Drexel doing to safeguard trees on campus?Ī: It is far too expensive to treat all trees on campus (we have over 1,000) and even if we did, we would not have a safeguard against un-treated trees in areas adjacent to campus. This sticky sap can attract bees and other insects and drip onto what lies beneath, making some outdoor spaces less enjoyable.

The most visible impact will be the production of “honey dew” by the SLF as they feed. Weak or previously damaged trees may succumb to large volumes of the SLF feeding however, most trees will survive. Q: What harm can the SLF cause to trees or shrubs?Ī: The SLF has been in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for almost seven years and has been damaging to economic crops - grapevines, maple and birch trees - but it is not an absolute that the trees they feed on will die. Although they can be alarming in their numbers and annoying when sitting outside, the SLF is not harmful to humans or pets. Q: Is the spotted lanternfly (SLF) dangerous?Ī: No. Read the Q&A below to learn how you can help protect the trees in your area (that is, if you’re in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York or Virginia), what is being done to the trees on Drexel’s campuses and more - and do not hesitate to reach out to Facilities if there are further questions or concerns. Drexel University Director of Grounds Management Scott Dunham is here to provide answers you’ve been looking for. Most of you have seen the spotted lanternfly by now and many of you may have some of the same questions.

A praying mantis eating a spotted lanternfly outside of Race Hall and the adjacent Library Learning Terrace.

Spotted lantern fly kill