Emelie Swackhamer, Montgomery County horticulture extension educator, believes that Penn State’s continuing efforts to stop spotted lanternflies are making a difference in fighting the invasive pest, writes Amy Duke for the Penn State News.

Despite winter being a time when residents of southeastern Pennsylvania have a brief respite from the insect, scientists and officials are working on finding a solution to the persistent problem throughout the year.

Penn State scientists have joined forces with their USDA colleagues and other institutions to create biological and chemical controls as well as other methods to manage the pest.

They are also constantly sharing their knowledge with various organizations and providing education through online courses on the Penn State Extension website for businesses and the public on how to deal with this growing problem.

Swackhamer is now noticing the effectiveness of this.

“More and more people are identifying, reporting, and destroying the spotted lanternfly,” she said. “Keeping the spotted lanternfly from reaching other parts of the state is crucial while we work, and every citizen can help by learning the steps they can take to help stop it.”

Read more about the efforts to stop spotted lanternfly at the Penn State News by clicking here.

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