Squash those invasive and destructive Spotted Lanterflies

Spotted Lanternfly

Excerpted from an ecoRI News story by Colleen Cronin

PROVIDENCE

“Have you recently seen a blur of bright red on a sidewalk or a tree, moved a little closer to see an insect with spotted wings — and then, hopefully, taken your shoe or a stick and squashed it?

“You aren’t alone. Reports of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly are booming in Rhode Island, according to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, and yes, the agency says, you should squish them….

‘‘A combination of feeding on sap and secreting a sugary substance onto plants that causes mold contribute to the invasive bugs’ destructive nature. They prefer grapes, hops, stone fruits, and hardwood trees….’’

Here’s the whole article.