A nuisance insect and its damage

They don't bite. But swarms of spotted lanternflies can plague outdoor events and damage trees and plants.

The colorful leafhopper from Asia threatens $25 billion in agricultural commodities such as grapes, fruit trees and hardwoods, according to the state Department of Agriculture.

The lanternfly damages and weakens plants and trees, especially younger plants and ornamentals, said Shannon Powers, press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Because the bugs secrete honeydew, a euphemism for the lanternfly's sticky droppings, they can cause messes on patios and cars and mold on greenery.

"Lanternflies will mostly be a nuisance problem, and that is good," Walsh said. "It's not the fire and brimstone that we originally thought would kill trees and our forests, and that's a relief."

However, lanternflies are a major threat to vineyards.

With 52 out of 67 counties in the state under quarantine with infestations, the current battle line is just a county away from Erie County, where juice grape growers generate $54.2 million in economic activity, according to the 2023 Economic Impact Study of the Pennsylvania Wine & Grape Industries.

Greene County was added to the quarantined county list last week.

Egg masses can spread via traveling containers and palletsEgg masses can spread via traveling containers and pallets.(USDA)

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