Published August 16. 2019 12:00AM
Penn State Extension Specialist Heather Leach, MS, is traveling the Lehigh Valley and Berks County educating residents about the spread of the invasive spotted lanternfly.
Leach, an entomologist at Penn State, is currently working with other extension program specialists in an effort to bring the spotted lanternfly explosion under control.
State Rep. Gary Day, R-187th, sponsored Leach’s presentation Aug. 8 at Good Will Fire Co. No. 1, Trexlertown.
Leach’s program stressed the need to identify where the spotted lanternfly is and what to do if found.
Native to China, India and Vietnam, the spotted lanternfly probably hitched a ride on either a ship or plane to come to this country, and then being discovered first in Berks County.
The spotted lanternfly’s favorite meal is another nonnative, a plant called the Tree of Heaven, which was imported through Philadelphia in the late 19th century, and is also native to China.
Penn State Extension Specialist and entomologist Heather Leach, discusses the history of the invasive spotted lanternfly, its current range in south central, Berks and Lehigh counties, and the efforts to eradicate the pest Aug. 8 at Good Will Fire Co. No, 1 Trexlertown. PRESS PHOTOS BYLOU WHEELAND Copyright - Lou Wheeland Photography
