Nobody has posted about our old nemesis, the spotted lanternflies for a while

[FakeNoose]

Here's a better-than-average video by "The Bug Chicks." Even though it's a couple years old, it does a good job explaining what we're up against with these spotted lanternflies. SLF do a lot of damage to grapevines and fruit trees, among other crops.

(Length 6:29, closed captions available)

[LoCo Cat Lady]

1. Plenty in Northern VA

I just started killing them in October. I was walking in downtown Leesburg, VA and they were everywhere. Then visited Carlisle, PA a few weeks back and it was insane. They kept landing on me while I was sitting outside. I feel bad for squashing but they are insanely invasive and Loudoun County's grape and hops growers are getting hammered by them. (Yes, they are pretty.)

[IbogaProject]

2. The outbreak crested in Pennsylvania

After a couple of seasons they became part of the local diet for birds and other insects.

[FakeNoose]

3. I thought so too, but suddenly now they're everywhere in Allegheny County

I think our warm fall weather is extending their season.

I remember couple of years ago, I first saw them in late spring. I mistook them for ladybugs, but then I realized they were SLFs that weren't fully grown. I started stamping on them everywhere. But of course, nothing stops them. Only a hard, cold winter might do them in.

[3Hotdogs]

4. --- and the Ash Beetle... Plus a new fungus or something is killing Beech trees.

[FakeNoose]

5. I've got some kind of lichen mold on my spruce trees, and it's slowly killing them

Two spruce trees in the front yard are about 60 or 70 years old, and they have to be cut down. There's a green mold that looks like lichen growing and spreading upwards on the branches.

Separate issue though - it's got nothing to do with the spotted lanternflies.

[3Hotdogs]

6. It may be too late. But call your local cooperative extension for Dept. of Ag. Some are associated with universities.

They may have information to save the trees.