When a spotted lanternfly lands on you, it is an increasingly common sight. This planthopper, with its distinct appearance, has spread significantly since its initial detection. Understanding its impact and how to react is helpful for individuals encountering this insect.
Are They Harmful to Humans?
Spotted lanternflies are not dangerous to humans. They do not possess the ability to bite, sting, or transmit diseases to people or pets. Their mouthparts are designed for piercing and sucking plant sap and are incapable of penetrating human skin.
There is no scientific evidence suggesting they are venomous or poisonous to touch. While social media posts have sometimes suggested toxicity to pets, current research does not support these claims.
Their primary interaction is with plants, from which they extract nutrients. Therefore, encountering a spotted lanternfly on your person is not a cause for alarm regarding your health.
What to Do When One Lands On You
If a spotted lanternfly lands on you, the recommended action is to kill it immediately. This directive stems from their status as an invasive species.
Various methods can be employed to eliminate the insect effectively. You can squish or stomp on the insect to dispatch it swiftly.
For those who prefer not to touch them directly, scraping the lanternfly into a container filled with rubbing alcohol or soapy water is an effective alternative. The goal is to ensure the insect is destroyed, preventing its further spread. This immediate action is a practical step individuals can take to help manage the population of this pest.
Why They Are a Concern
Spotted lanternflies are considered a serious invasive pest, primarily due to their significant impact on agriculture and native ecosystems. Originating from Asia, specifically China and Vietnam, they were first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 and have since spread across several states.
They feed voraciously on the sap of a wide range of plants, including economically important crops like grapevines, fruit trees, and hops, as well as hardwood trees such as maple and walnut.
As they feed, spotted lanternflies excrete a sticky, sugary substance called “honeydew.” This honeydew then promotes the growth of black sooty mold on plants and surfaces below.
Sooty mold can cover leaves, reducing a plant’s ability to photosynthesize and weakening its overall health. This widespread feeding and the resulting mold can lead to significant crop loss and damage to ornamental trees, articulating the environmental and agricultural threat they pose.