TOMS RIVER, NJ – It was supposed to be the summer when spotted lantern flies were expected to decimate gardens and forests across New Jersey.
But it hasn’t happened and thankfully, too late in the summer to start. This year, spotted lantern flies are out and about across New Jersey, just not in the numbers predicted prior to the summer.
The observed decline in spotted lanternfly populations in New Jersey may be attributed to several factors, including extreme weather conditions and their impact on host plants, according to Rutgers entomologist George Hamilton.
Last year’s hot, dry summer, a severe cold spell in January, or the generally warmer conditions during the winter could have played roles in reducing their numbers.
Despite the observed decline in some areas, the state remains under a spotted lanternfly quarantine. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has issued permits for businesses and organizations operating within or moving from the quarantine zone.
The permit system aims to curb the spread of this invasive species, which poses significant threats to over 70 different plant species, many of which have economic importance.
Various items, including landscaping waste, logs, firewood, and even outdoor furniture, are subject to movement restrictions under the quarantine. These measures are intended to prevent the transport of any stage of the spotted lanternfly’s life cycle.
The invasive insect remains a critical concern for the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, not only for its destructive feeding habits but also for its negative impact on outdoor activities. Despite the drop in numbers, vigilance remains essential to mitigate the long-term risks posed by the spotted lanternfly.