For some people, the spotted lanternfly is pretty to look at, but for others, it is dangerous to the environment. 

They originated in China, but soon became an annoyance for some places such as Pennsylvania when they started spreading there.

The reason spotted lanternflies are dangerous to our environment is that they kill trees, which is the main source of oxygen for humans. 

It’s recommended that if you find a lanternfly, you should kill it immediately.

Sightings of these bugs must be reported to the New York State Department of Agriculture, so they can be documented and researched to where the spotted lanternflies may spread next.

Spotted lanternflies have spread long distances very quickly over time, mainly by laying eggs on any kind of surface, most of them being infested materials containing egg masses.

Ashinda Fowler, WJPS senior said, “A small price to pay for the trees.” 

Other people feel that spotted lanternflies are not dangerous to humans, but you should still take precautions to keep them out of your house. 

Logan Ruiz, WJPS senior, said, “In my opinion, you should kill them or at least spray pesticide so that these insects won’t come in and bother you.”

If anyone finds a spotted lanternfly, they should kill it and report it to the New York Department of Agriculture, so they can document the last known location and keep a close eye on them. 

“Spotted Lanternfly” by MTSOfan is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0