Learn About Spotted Lanternfly at Free Local Seminar

If you’re worried about a small bug that’s been getting big publicity in our area lately, you may want to attend a free seminar about it at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem Township on Friday, Nov. 9, from 1 to 3 p.m.

The seminar about the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is by Penn State Extension Educator Amy Korman and is being hosted by Northampton County.

Register for it in advance here by Thursday, Nov. 8.

Topics that will be covered will include:

• How to spot the spotted lanternfly
• Impacts to local industry and communities
• The current quarantined areas in Pennsylvania (both Northampton and Lehigh counties are under quarantine for the spotted lanternfly)
• Action you can take to help stop the insect’s spread

First discovered in the U.S. in Berks County in 2014, the spotted lanternfly poses a threat to grapes, fruit trees, Christmas trees, hardwoods and hops. It is estimated that it could cause billions of dollars in agricultural damage in Pennsylvania in the coming years.

The free seminar, which is one of many being held around the state by the Extension, will be held in NCC’s David A. Reed Community Room. The campus is located at 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, Pa.

Much more information about the spotted lanternfly and its spread throughout Pennsylvania can be found on the Penn State Extension website, where you can register to receive email updates about the insect, report a sighting, request that a seminar be held in your area, and more.

Call the PSU Extension hotline at 1-888-422-3359 with questions on spotted lanternfly management or to report a sighting.