![]() Given its proximity to infestations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, New York is at a high risk for its own, state authorities warned. It is uncertain if the rise is due to an increase in the insect's population or an increase in the public's awareness, officials said. According to local reports, the state Department of Agriculture received 33,015 reports through July 17, compared to 5,603 for the same period last year: a nearly 500% increase. So far this year, sightings have increased dramatically in Pennsylvania. ![]() It may also mean businesses are required to have a permit to move certain items within or from quarantine zones. Typically that means anyone who travels in a quarantined county is asked to inspect their vehicle, luggage, gear, outdoor items and clothing for the spotted lanternfly or its eggs before leaving. Native to Asia, the insect is notorious for hitchhiking and primarily spread through human activity.Äozens of counties across multiple states are currently under a form of quarantine due to the insect, including 26 in Pennsylvania, eight in New Jersey, two in Maryland and one in Delaware. People can also help prevent the spread of the spotted lanternfly by not inadvertently transporting the insect or its eggs. To kill them, officials recommend using alcohol, bleach or hand sanitizer, or double bagging them and throwing them away. Egg masses are about 1 inch long and resemble mud. People should also be on the lookout for the insect's eggs, which adults begin laying in September. The inch-long insect is distinguished by the reddish, polka-dotted wings of adult spotted lanternflies, which mature in late July and August. People can help limit the spotted lanternfly's spread by reporting sightings to their state agriculture department or by simply squashing the bug.
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