The holidays are still a ways off, but that doesn't mean people aren't already thinking about decking the halls. But if freshly hatched bugs isn't the decor you were thinking, an agricultural expert is warning people about Christmas tree-related insect infestations that would be anything but festive. Joseph Zoltowski, director of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Division of Plant Industry, tells NJ.com that he's concerned about a tree-killing insect from eastern Asia called the spotted lanternfly.
The bug reportedly first arrived in the US four years ago in Pennsylvania and spread throughout the eastern parts of the state.
More recently, it has been detected in three New Jersey counties: Hunterdon, Mercer, and Warren.
Newsweek.com reports that the bug spreads by attaching itself and its eggs to vehicles carrying wood, landscaping materials, and agricultural produce, which could include the bark and branches of Christmas trees.
Making matters worse: "They’re very hard to spot," Zoltowski said.
He pointed to an example of a woman in Warren County who had two clusters of spotted lanternfly eggs attached to her pre-cut Christmas tree last year.
She reportedly didn't realize that the egg masses (which can hold up to 30 to 50 eggs) were there until they hatched and the insects showed up in her home in early January, when the tree was still up, according to Zoltowski.
In that case, the eggs had been on the bark of the tree's trunk.
Zoltowski advises that people out buying pre-cut Christmas trees do thorough checks before taking them home.
Look closely to make sure that there are no eggs or live spotted lanternflies clinging to the trunk or branches. Anyone buying a tree from garden centers or private lots should be especially cautious.
Beyond the fact that no one would want these bugs in their home, agricultural officials and farmers are also warning that spreading populations of the spotted lanternflies could wreak havoc on small fruit, wine, hop, and vegetable industries.
The good news is that pine tree growers have gotten the heads-up from the department of agriculture and plan to treat and inspect trees this season.
If worst comes to worst and you do spot a live spotted lanternfly or any egg masses, here's how to proceed.
In New Jersey, the Department of Agriculture says you should call its hotline number: 833-BADBUG-0 (833-223-2840) or send an email to [email protected].
If you find this insect in Pennsylvania, report the finding to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture by emailing [email protected] or calling the Invasive Species Hotline at 866-253-7189.