Cedar Grove, NJ - The invasive Spotted Lanternfly is making an appearance in Essex County, New Jersey this Summer, here's what you need to know to keep your garden safe.
Spotted Lanternflies were first found in the United States in Berks County Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, they've spread rapidly each season and as of this writing, 8 New Jersey counties are under quarantine for the colorful bugs. Spotted Lanterflies may be pretty to some, but they're a huge pest capable to badly damaging crops and decorative plants. While these bugs can fly, they are technically planthoppers and can leap quite far, as you may have discovered when you've tried to swat one. Experts say if you see them, you should swat away before the pests can do more damage or lay eggs.
Have you seen a spotted lanternfly? After stomping it (if you can), fill out this form: