Spotted lantern flies have been a notorious pest in the United States since 2014, when their eggs attached to a Chinese cargo shipment sent to Pennsylvania. To this day, Pennsylvania continues to see the most spotted lantern fly infestations out of any state in the country, especially in areas with large amounts of tree of heaven plants. According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Services, the bugs spread to the state in 2018, likely as a result of eggs or insects attached to transportation vehicles. As of 2024, 17 states and the District of Columbia are dealing with the invasive species, and they can be expected to further their range as time goes on.
Adult lantern flies can be observed from July to December and rapidly lay egg masses between September until the first freeze, usually in November. The eggs hatch as nymphs in mid-to-late April. The species is able to spread itself so widely due to its ability to survive harsh temperatures and attach themselves and their eggs to almost any hard surface, including trees, cars, and outdoor furniture. Lantern flies also have no natural predators in the U.S., which only adds to the problem.
Senior Valerie Olawuyi claimed she saw hundreds of lantern flies around the school building and at her house. “The bugs are all over the outside of my house, especially near my garage and on my doors. When I sit outside at lunch, they cover the side of the building and fly at me when I eat, which is terrifying,” Olawuyi concluded.
According to senior Landon Hershey, his house has the first, and the worst, spotted lantern fly problem they have ever noticed. “They climb up all of the windows and the sliding door. A horde of them flies into my house whenever I let my dogs outside. This is the first year my family has ever seen them at our house, and they have been very invasive so far,” Hershey explains.
Although lantern flies are relatively docile and cause no harm to humans, the species is of high concern due to its environmental effects. When lantern flies feed, they drain the plants of vital nutrients and excrete a sticky waste fluid that attracts insects and causes mold growth. They are especially attracted to trees of heaven, grapes, peaches, and other hardwood trees. According to Virginia Tech’s Department of Agriculture, grape yield reductions of 80-90% have been reported in areas in Pennsylvania with lantern fly populations. For Northern Virginia’s 1.7 billion dollar wine industry, the pest could have detrimental effects.
To stop the spread, authorities advise killing the bugs and eggs whenever they are spotted. When driving out of the area, check your car for lantern flies to avoid introducing their invasion to new areas. Lantern fly spottings should be reported to the Virginia Cooperative Extension on their website.