Reporter Jim Murdoch takes on spotted lanternfly nymphs
Spotted lanternflies were first discovered in New Jersey in 2018 - and now the bugs are in every part of the state, as their eggs can survive brutal, cold and snowy winters.
More Stories
It's that time of year when spotted lanternfly eggs are hatching - and small black and white nymphs are invading yards all over the state.
I decided to take action when I saw some on my porch last night and reached out to an expert from Rutgers University for help getting rid of the invasive pests.
When a spotted lanternfly nymph jumped toward me, I knew where there's one, there's more.
“Overall, this year we are seeing much higher levels kind of statewide then we have in the past couple years,” said Professor Anne Nielsen, PHD, with the Rutgers University Department of Entomology.
Spotted lanternflies were first discovered in New Jersey in 2018 - and now the bugs are in every part of the state, as their eggs can survive brutal, cold and snowy winters.
“Those eggs are actually coated in a wax covering, which provides additional protection from the elements,” said Professor Nielsen.
A loyal viewer shared her remedy of putting sticky traps on tree trunks.
“The nymphs cannot fly. They can only walk or jump. Trapping the nymphs using the sticky bands is a very non-toxic way to eliminate the population, ” added Professor Nielsen.
So off to the big box store it was for some chicken wire and sticky strips.
I then wrapped a large backyard tree where I believe might be the source of the nymphs.
Professor Nielsen says the nymphs are especially drawn to maple and walnut trees, as well as the tree of heaven.
I covered the area with chicken wire to protect small animals from becoming stuck.
Now that the protective wire is in place, it's a game of hurry up and wait. I'll check it in a few days and see just how many of the little bugs the glue trap catches.
Professor Nielsen says the bugs aren't known for killing full trees but can be damaging to branches, especially grape and cucumber vines.
And if you can eliminate the nymphs now, do it.
