PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - The invasive spotted lanternfly was first discovered in West Virginia in 2019.
As of this month, it’s spread to Wood County.
James Watson, who coordinates the West Virginia Department of Agriculture’s spotted lanternfly control program, said they discovered an infestation of spotted lanternflies near the intersection of Route 2 and I-77 in Parkersburg in mid-September.
Watson said the invasive species poses a serious threat to agriculture and forests.
“Spotted lanternfly poses a threat to several important agricultural crops, namely grapes and hops, and then unfortunately several of our important forestry trees, specifically black walnut, staghorn sumac, sugar maple, and red maple,” he said.
Watson said the lanternflies prefer to host on this plan, the tree-of-heaven, which is itself another invasive species.
Watson said they’re doing what they can to deal with the infestation by removing the tree-of-heaven plants that host the lanternfly, but their efforts can only go so far.
“We are seeing a reduction in the density of the infestation here around this intersection, but it’s rare if ever possible to completely eradicate a population once it’s detected typically,” Watson said. “So, most likely it will be spreading out, and unfortunately people from Wood County will start seeing this around their homes.”
Watson said everyone can still take some steps to help limit the spread.
“With a vehicle, it’s important to check materials you’re transporting and your vehicles and yourself when you’re moving around to make sure you’re not taking the spotted lanternfly from one location to another,” he said. “So, check for hitchhikers, learn to identify tree of heaven, and remove the tree of heaven to reduce the magnitude of the infestation as it moves out into the county.”
Watson said tree of heaven can be removed by cutting the plant down and immediately putting herbicide on the stump. He said plants should be cut down between June and December for the best results.