Bats are feasting on invasive spotted lanternflies, Rutgers researcher says
As it turns out, New Jersey residents can help the situation by installing a bat house.
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The New Jersey State Department of Agriculture warned us several years ago about the spotted lanternfly – an insect invader that could have devastating effects on farms and vineyards in the Garden State.
A researcher at Rutgers found that the invasive species has an enemy that we didn't know about until today – bats.
"…Most recently, we've discovered that they are eating the spotted lanternfly," said Erin McHale, a PhD candidate.
As a part of McHale's research study, she analyzes what bats are eating by studying their guano, better known as bat poop.
As it turns out, New Jersey residents can help the situation by installing a bat house. They feast on thousands and thousands of insects every night.
