Why Connecticut leaders want you to watch out for — and kill — this insect

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — There is an invasive insect spreading across Connecticut, and it is threatening at least two forms of agriculture.

The state is now on a mission to raise awareness of the spotted lanternfly, and to tell you what to do if you spot one.

“What we’re telling people is, basically, see it smash it,” said Victoria Smith, Connecticut’s state entomologist.

That’s the official advice for anyone who sees a spotted lanternfly in Connecticut. The invasive Asian insect is now spreading across Connecticut, probably by stowing away on automobiles and trains.

“They seem to love railroad cars and that’s how they get around,” Smith said. “I have actually received videos of spotted lanternflies aboard Metro-North.”

They are now in all eight Connecticut counties, and their population is growing.

“One good thing about spotted lanternfly is they do not spread diseases to plants, pets, livestock or humans,” Smith said. “They’re just going to be a real nuisance to most of us.”

Unless you have a vineyard. It turns out grapevine is one of the lanternfly’s favorite things to eat.

“The big concern is for the wine industry of Connecticut,” Smith said. “We really have an up-and-coming wine industry. We’ve got a lot of people who are working very hard at producing some very nice wines.”

Beekeepers need to watch out, too. Lanternflies produce sweet, sticky excrement that bees mistake for pollen. It makes their honey taste different.

The first young flies, or nymphs, should show up in the next week or two. Expect to see adults by early July. And you should get used to them, because while smashing helps, you’re not going to kill all of them.

“They’re just too prolific,” Smith said. “They’re too good of a stowaway, too good of a hitchhiker, and so we’re not stopping this one. But what we can to it learn to live with it.”

In addition to smashing the spotted lanternflies, the state would also like you to report when you see them. Reporting is available online.

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