Kids can hunt for spotted lanternflies
With school officially closed for the semester, children might be stuck at home. But that doesn’t mean they’re stuck inside. In fact, they can spend their time preparing to look for spotted lanternflies.
The spotted lanternfly is an insect species that’s invaded Pennsylvania, according to Penn State Extension. Since first being identified in Berks County in 2014, reports to Penn State have placed the pesky pests in 25 other counties, including Allegheny and Beaver.
Looking for and identifying spotted lanternflies can be a family activity, according to Reefer, who suggested children hunt for and “smash” any egg masses they find.
“Sort of like looking for Easter eggs,” Reefer said. “It is a good lesson about how destructive things that are not native to our region can be.”
Kids also have an advantage when it comes to “hunting for treasures,” according to Mary Reefer, a member of the Penn State Extension Master Gardener program.
“They have eagle eyes,” Reefer said. “Perfect (for) close inspection of everything in their yards.”
If spotted lanternflies aren’t contained, they have the potential to “drain” Pennsylvania’s economy by $324 million annually, according to Penn State economists.
Reports of spotted lanternfly sightings can be made by calling the Penn State Extension hot line at 1-888-422-3359.
Reports can also be made electronically at extension.psu.edu/have-you-seen-a-spotted-lanternfly.
This is an excerpt from a larger article that appeared in Saturday’s Butler Eagle. Subscribe online or in print to read the full article.
