This Week’s Question

It seems like the spotted lanternfly made its way here. We have seen a couple in the main building. Is there anything being done to get rid of them?

I’ve shared this with our leaders in facilities, who are well aware and doing what they can to deal with it. As J.J. Odom, our director of building and grounds, explains, these insects are widespread and there’s no residual or preventive treatment available to keep them away, leaving spraying at the point of contact the only proven option for our pest control vendor.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says these flies are harmless to people but of course, they are a nuisance. For those comfortable doing so, it is permissible to kill these flies if you encounter them. For reference, the Connecticut Agricultural Experient Station has a page dedicated to identifying and stopping the spread of this invasive species.

Thank you for the question. 

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