Spotted lanternflies spotted in Lewes

The City of Lewes has identified spotted lanternflies on two parcels of public property and on private property.

Parks and Marina Manager Janet Reeves said the invasive insects have been found in Great Marsh Park and another city-owned parcel.

Reeves said the Department of Agriculture treated Great Marsh Park July 17. She said they are still working on a plan to treat the other parcel.

She said the Department of Ag notified the city of the infestation of one parcel two weeks ago.

The city’s parks and recreation commission discussed the bugs at its July 15 meeting. Mardi Thompson, Lewes tree commissioner, said after the notification, she located them on Trees of Heaven in Great Marsh Park. Thompson said Trees of Heaven are the insect’s preferred host.

“For homeowners, one of the good pieces of news is it might be intense for a couple of years, but then birds figure out they can eat these creatures and the population greatly diminishes,” Thompson said.

She said spotted lanternflies are a bigger issue for vineyards and fruit growers.

“The flies are very young. They’re eating off of young, tender trees. So, the product used to treat them would not be as strong at this stage,” Reeves said.

The city shared a post from Delaware State Parks on Facebook, urging people to keep a close eye out for the bugs.

They say the flies are good at hitching rides, so be sure to check vehicles and gear between travels.

The state says if one sees a spotted lanternfly, “play whack-a-bug and squash them on sight.”