Bad Buggers! Smash Them If You See This Invasive Species

From Mayor’s Office:

“The spotted lanternfly is a new plant pest to the United States and represents a threat to Connecticut’s environment, residential areas, and agricultural interests, particularly forests, orchards, vineyards, and nurseries.”

-Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station

The City of Bridgeport Sustainability Office and Parks and Recreation Department is asking residents for their assistance in getting rid of the spotted lanternfly in Bridgeport. The City has received several reports about spotted lanternflies in our parks and community gardens. The SLF can harm our trees, growing spaces, and urban canopy. We are providing this guidance to help residents identify and help get rid of the spotted lanternfly.

If you see a spotted lanternfly (SLF), please kill it, they are an invasive pest. Look for the spotted red wings on its back. Use the images below to help identify spotted lanternfly. If you see eggs growing on your trees or dead wood, DO NOT REMOVE any wood or infested material instead:

• Report potential sightings of this invasive pest. If you suspect you have found a SLF, snap a picture of it and fill out this SLF Reporting Form.
• Kill any spotted lanternflies you find immediately.
• Follow these tips for dealing with spotted lanternflies.
• Please check your vehicles for stowaways! Inspect your vehicles, trailers, and other items for SLF adults and egg masses when travelling through areas with known or suspected SLF populations. These insects are known to hitch a ride on vehicles and even clothing.

The Parks and Recreation Department and Sustainability Office thank our residents for helping get rid of the spotted lanternfly and keeping our parks and environment healthy. For any questions, please reach out to the Sustainability Office.

For more information, please see the included Spotted Lanternfly Management for Residents guide from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/CAES/CAPS/CAES-SLF-Residential-Factsheet.pdf