SOME New Jersey residents have been subject to another quarantine because of bugs. While it’s not a threat to humans or animals, the spotted lanternfly is known to eat more than 70 plant species, according to the New York Post. To help stop the spread of the bug, eight counties including Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, […]
SOME New Jersey residents have been subject to another quarantine because of bugs.
While it’s not a threat to humans or animals, the spotted lanternfly is known to eat more than 70 plant species, according to the New York Post.
To help stop the spread of the bug, eight counties including Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Salem, Somerset and Warren have been placed under quarantine.
The spotted lanternfly is native to China and South Korea and arrived in the United States in 2014 in Pennsylvania.
It is known to hitchhike so residents are encouraged to check their vehicles for any bugs before they leave their home or county.
“The spotted lanternfly is a plant hopper and can only fly short distances. However, it is an excellent hitchhiker and has been known to ride on any kind of transportation,” the NJ Department of Agriculture wrote in a press release. “The department asks that anyone who travels in a quarantined county do a quick inspection of their vehicle for the spotted lanternfly before leaving.”
26 counties in Pennsylvania are also under quarantine to help stop its spread.
The NJ Department of Agriculture has told resident to “destroy” the bud if they see it and are encouraged use different types of treatment options for infestations.
“We have been working diligently to slow the advance of this bug,” New Jersey Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher said. “it will take a combined effort to help keep this pest from spreading.”
