Winemaker Dominic Strohlein knows that in any agricultural business, nature can quickly turn a profit into a loss.

That’s why the owner of Big Creek Winery in Kunkletown is trying to stay ahead of the spotted lanternfly, the invasive pest that has spread around eastern Pennsylvania since first being sighted in 2014.

“It’s fragile — the balance of profit and loss for vineyards — the weather and a million other things you have to deal with,” he said.

So far, the problem has been isolated to eastern Pennsylvania, and officials are trying to keep it that way.

Last week, the state Department of Agriculture added Carbon, Monroe, Schuylkill, Lehigh and Northampton counties to the spotted lanternfly quarantine area. Parts of Lehigh have already been on the list.

Experts from Penn State say that there have been some sightings of the invasive bug on trees in the southern part of Carbon County.

Last week’s cold temperatures killed the last of the adults for 2017, experts say. But it’s believed there are eggs out there that could hatch in 2018, leading to a larger problem.

“What we have seen is you get 10 the first year, hundreds the second year, and thousands the third year,” Penn State Extension educator Emilie Swackhammer said.

Potential impact

Spotted lanternfly damage trees, and leave behind a sticky substance that can grow mold and attract wasps.

But the greater concern is its affect on farmers who grow grapes, fruits and timber trees, according to Swackhammer.

That’s why the state is focusing on farms as the front line in their fight against the spread of the bug.

The quarantine officially prohibits any bugs or eggs from being transported out of the quarantine area.

While the state isn’t looking to prosecute farmers, it wants them to be vigilant in checking produce and stock that leaves the quarantine, Swackhammer said.

“The people that are actually at that farm need to know what the insect looks like at all life stages, and do what they can to not spread it,” she said.

The order prohibiting transport of spotted lanternfly also applies to residents. Moving firewood is one of the easiest ways for the bug to move. But Swackhammer said they could also fall onto a vehicle, or lay eggs on rusty metal, which could cause someone to unknowingly transport the bug.

Farmers react

Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Lehighton has customers around the state and beyond.

In order to take deliveries out of the quarantine, owner Chris Botek said, the state had to inspect the property and certify that it was clean. He said while some people might be wary of regulators sniffing around their property, he welcomed it.

“Personally, I think it’s a good concern, he said. “The inspectors are only here to protect you.

Strohlein said he knew the problem was serious when he was contacted by the state for an inspection. While there have been other pests and blight that have challenged farmers here before, it’s the first time Strohlein can recall that a quarantine was put in place.

“It does seem to be something people have an interest in,” he said. “Maybe because it began its rampage right here (in Pennsylvania).”

Officials are taking the concern seriously. The federal government has already granted the state $3 million to contain the bug, and they are requesting an additional $10 million.

State Sen. David Argall, Schuylkill-Berks, was part of a hearing last month where farmers from southeastern Pennsylvania discussed the impact on their livelihood.

“From what we heard at the hearing on the AG committee in October, it is very clear this is a very serious issue. If you own a vineyard or specialty trees, this is definitely one that they need to pay a lot of attention to,” Argall said.

Strohlein said he wishes there was an easy response — like Safer soap, which attacks insects while going easy on plants. He said that there are already a number of treatments available for moths, which he hopes can be adapted for use on the spotted lanternfly.

“I’m confident we’ll get help, but farmers are pretty resilient. We’ll figure it out and get onto the next thing,” he said.

Related Article