Secretary of Agriculture Shares Scary Thought

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding shared some scary thoughts while reminding Pennsylvanians to be vigilant against the Spotted Lanternfly as the bugs begin laying eggs on flat surfaces to hatch in the spring. 

“Every Spotted Lanternfly egg mass not scraped and destroyed now is up to 50 more of these invasive, destructive bugs we can expect to hatch next spring,” said Redding. “We need every Pennsylvanian to hunt for egg masses this fall and winter and destroy them – or we’re in for a scary spring.” 

Spotted Lanternfly egg masses are a light gray wax-like substance that take on the appearance of mud and include 30-50 eggs. Egg masses can be found on many flat surfaces including trees, rocks, and outside objects such as picnic tables, playground equipment, grills, and sidings of homes. 

Property owners can scrape egg masses whenever encountered using a hard or rigid tool such as a credit card, putty knife, or a stick. Research has not yet confirmed whether egg masses can survive if scraped onto the ground, so it is best to scrape the egg masses in a downward motion into a container or bag with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Click here for more.