Asian Carp. Lionfish. English Ivy. European Starling. What do these all have in common? They are the most invasive species known in North America. One other species on this list is the NJ Spotted Lanternfly. In fact, the Spotted Lanternfly created such an uproar in New Jersey that the government is asking for our help to stamp it out.
NJ Spotted Lanternfly: A Pest Unlike the Rest
Now, these bugs look kind of pretty. In fact, some feel like a cross between a ladybug and a butterfly. But don’t let their looks fool you. They are definitely a pest! Fortunately, this pest causes no physical harm to humans or animals. However, it feeds on plants like grapevines, black walnut, maple, and other NJ flora. It can decimate entire crops. Because of the utter devastation these pests create, the New Jersey government asks for your help to identify areas of infestation, collect specimens when possible, and submit photographic evidence to their Spotted Lanternfly hotline.
What to Do
First, if you see any egg masses, put on some gloves, scrape the masses off, and place them in a double bag. You may place bleach, hand sanitizer, or rubbing alcohol in the bag to kill the eggs if you wish. These can then be thrown away. Also, you can help by collecting a lanternfly (alive or dead) and turning it into the Department of Agriculture so that they can identify and verify the species. You may also help by taking a picture of the lanternfly or its egg masses with your smartphone. Just make sure your GPS function is turned on when you do. This helps the Department of Agriculture locate and track them. Then, email the photo to the NJ Department of Agriculture. Finally, if you can neither collect a specimen or take a photo, please call the NJ Spotted Landfly hotline at 833-BADBUG0 (833-223-2840). Leave a detailed message including what you saw, where you saw it, when you saw it, and your contact information. Help us stamp this pest out of New Jersey for good.
Margate Cherry Blossom Festival
One of the plants the spotted lanternfly wreaks havoc with is the cherry blossom tree. If they disappear, then we won’t be able to enjoy things like the Margate Cherry Blossom Festival. That gives me the perfect opportunity to remind you that the festival takes place this weekend on Ventnor Ave. Make sure you mark it on your calendar so that you don’t forget it!
Sherri Lilienfeld, Apex Prime Realty, Your Source for Jersey Shore Real Estate