SPOTTED LANTERNFLY
Bergen is a county with confirmed small SLF populations and /or regulatory incidents.
Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, is an invasive planthopper native to China, India, and Vietnam; it is also established in South Korea, Japan and the U.S. It was first discovered in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in Berks County in 2014 and has spread to other counties in PA, as well as the states of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, New York, Connecticut and Ohio.
This insect has the potential to greatly impact agricultural crops and hardwood trees. SLF feeds on the plant sap of many different plants including grapevines, maples, black walnut, and other important plants in NJ. While it does not harm humans or animals, it can reduce the quality of life for people living in heavily infested areas.
Why You Should Care
SLF is a serious invasive pest with a healthy appetite for our plants and it can be a significant nuisance, affecting the quality of life and enjoyment of the outdoors. The spotted lanternfly uses its piercing-sucking mouthpart to feed on sap from over 70 different plant species. It has a strong preference for economically important plants and the feeding damage significantly stresses the plants which can lead to decreased health and potentially death.
As SLF feeds, the insect excretes honeydew (a sugary substance) which can attract bees, wasps, and other insects. The honeydew also builds up and promotes the growth for sooty mold (fungi), which can cover the plant, forest understories, patio furniture, cars, and anything else found below SLF feeding.
If you see a Spotted Lanternfly, help us Stomp it Out!
Homeowner Resources
What can you do to help? “Join the Battle, Beat the Bug”
This insect is an excellent hitchhiker and is easily moved if no one is looking. “Look Before You Leave.”
Inspecting your vehicles, trailers, or any outdoor items before you move around is important. If possible, don’t park under tree lines and keep windows rolled up when parking your vehicle. Familiarize yourself with the life stages of the insect and when in the season to look for them.
Survey your own property and community for possible SLF life stages. Any efforts you make in destroying the Spotted Lanternfly or its egg masses will help you and community reduce populations.
Please report any sightings outside of the quarantined counties. Reports are recorded in a database for use by the NJDA and USDA to manage this pest. The database is used to help determine infested areas and possible treatment for high risk properties. Treatment is based on location, risk, and available funds. Join the effort to control and prevent the spread of Spotted Lanternfly. We need everyone’s help to protect their properties and communities from this invasive pest.
Please do not panic, Spotted Lanternfly will NOT sting or bite humans or animals.
If you see a Spotted Lanternfly, help us Stomp it Out! Visit
https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/pests-diseases/spotted-lanternfly/#reporting-tool to report a sighting.
One of the best ways to get quick control on lanternflies is vinegar. You can use white vinegar filled in a spray bottle to kill lanternflies almost instantly. Another effective ingredient is neem oil. You can spray this oil on these bugs to kill them on contact. You can also stomp on and dispose of this invasive pest as well.
Address/Location
Teaneck Police Department
900 Teaneck Rd
Teaneck, NJ 07666
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 201-837-2600
Dean Kazinci
Manager's Office
[email protected]
201-837-1600