Monthly Tip

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is on the lookout for a new invasive species called the Spotted Lanternfly. It is native to China and was first detected in the U.S. in Pennsylvania. It can travel on packages and vehicles as well as plants and is a threat to our agricultural industry. Its preferred host is the Ailanthus altissima tree, or Tree-of-heaven, which is itself an invasive pest. It can also attack other landscape trees, fruit trees, grapevines, and roses. The insects suck the sap out of the plants and excrete a sticky honeydew which can, in turn, attract other pests and also promote the growth of sooty mold. The plants can weaken and die. While the spotted lanternfly hasn't been found in California yet, early detection by the public can help keep it from spreading. If you spot this pest, please report it to the CDFA at 1-800-491-1899 or cdfa.ca.gov/plant/reportapest.

 

More information: Spotted Lanternfly