Bug infestations are never fun, but especially not when they pose a significant threat to peoples’ livelihoods and products we use on a daily basis. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what the spotted lanternfly is doing in Pennsylvania – and there isn’t much we can do to stop them.

Native to Southeast Asia, the spotted lanternfly first appeared in Pennsylvania five years ago.

Wikipedia/Walthery It reproduces at a rapid rate, so even the most intensive efforts have only managed to stop their multiplication.

Their greedy mouths siphon sap from trees and vines, thus weakening valuable crops all over the state.

Flickr/shotwhore photography Even worse, the insects secrete a clear goo onto the decks and swimming pools of exasperated homeowners.

Easily the most troublesome fact about lanternflies is the incredible destruction left in their wake.

Flickr/FotoGuy 49057 They threaten $18 billion of agriculture statewide, including timber, hops, and the lucrative Pennsylvania wine industry.

While controlling the infestation on a population level is nearly impossible, several actions have been taken to try and move the needle.

Wikipedia/Darkone One of the most important steps is removing tree-of-heaven, the preferred host for lanternflies.

Females are now beginning to lay their eggs, and citizens are encouraged to scrape them off windshields, trees, lawn furniture, outdoor equipment, and other surfaces.

Flickr/Florida Fish and Wildlife Each mass eliminated prevents up to 60 eggs from hatching, which can have a profound impact on next season.

Some people have even repurposed their wet/dry vacuum cleaners into secret weapons.

Wikipedia/Nynexman4464 The suction wands are much more effective at mass eradication than a simple shovel or other collection apparatus.

So, while this nuisance of a critter may not be going anywhere in our lifetime, we can do things to lessen the burden.

Wikipedia/Rkillcrazy Hopefully, we’ll have the upper hand next year!

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Wikipedia/Walthery

It reproduces at a rapid rate, so even the most intensive efforts have only managed to stop their multiplication.

Flickr/shotwhore photography

Even worse, the insects secrete a clear goo onto the decks and swimming pools of exasperated homeowners.

Flickr/FotoGuy 49057

They threaten $18 billion of agriculture statewide, including timber, hops, and the lucrative Pennsylvania wine industry.

Wikipedia/Darkone

One of the most important steps is removing tree-of-heaven, the preferred host for lanternflies.

Flickr/Florida Fish and Wildlife

Each mass eliminated prevents up to 60 eggs from hatching, which can have a profound impact on next season.

Wikipedia/Nynexman4464

The suction wands are much more effective at mass eradication than a simple shovel or other collection apparatus.

Wikipedia/Rkillcrazy

Hopefully, we’ll have the upper hand next year!

Did you know about the spotted lanternfly infestation? Have you been forced to clean up any eggs so far this year? Tell us your thoughts and experiences.

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