Stop the Spotted Scoundrel: A Guide for Northern Virginia Landscapers
Protect your plants and your reputation from the invasive spotted lanternfly! As members of the Northern Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association (NVNLA), we’re here to help you combat this destructive pest and ensure the health and beauty of your clients’ landscapes.
What is the Spotted Lanternfly?
This colorful hopper, native to East Asia, arrived in the US in 2014 and has quickly spread across the Eastern seaboard, including parts of Northern Virginia. It feeds on the sap of over 70 plant species, including many beloved trees and crops like grapevines, maples, and fruit trees.
Why Should You Be Concerned?
The spotted lanternfly poses a serious threat to our local ecosystems and economy. Its feeding can weaken and even kill plants, impacting the health of our landscapes and the livelihoods of farmers and nursery owners. Additionally, the honeydew it excretes attracts other insects and promotes the growth of black sooty mold, further damaging plants and outdoor spaces.
How Can You Help?
As NVNLA members, we’re committed to protecting our community’s green spaces. Here’s how you can join the fight against the spotted lanternfly:
- Educate yourself and your clients: Learn to identify the spotted lanternfly in its various life stages (egg masses, nymphs, and adults). Share this information with your clients and encourage them to report any sightings to the NVNLA or local authorities.
- Inspect your plants regularly: Pay close attention to areas where spotted lanternflies are known to congregate, such as the tree of heaven (their preferred host) and the undersides of leaves.
- Report sightings: If you spot a spotted lanternfly, don’t hesitate to report it! You can use the NVNLA website, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ online reporting tool, or call 1-888-422-3359.
- Take action: If you find spotted lanternflies on your property, there are several methods for controlling them, such as scraping, squishing, or using insecticidal soap. Always follow proper safety precautions and consult with a licensed pest control professional for more complex infestations.
Together, we can stop the spotted lanternfly from spreading and protect the beauty and vitality of Northern Virginia’s landscapes!
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By following these tips and working together, we can keep Northern Virginia’s landscapes healthy and beautiful for generations to come!
NVNLA: Protecting the green spaces of Northern Virginia, one plant at a time.