Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
They're here in southeastern PA. I saw them for the first time last fall at the local gas station. A woman started stepping on several on the gas station island. The next time I saw them was a few days later on my deck. I stepped on those I could before they could fly away.
Look on the bright side - at least this is very pretty destructive pest. We'll be able to enjoy its beautiful colors while it causes millions of dollars in damage every year.
Yes, the big is so pretty. The orchards and vineyards around my home are having a terrible time with them. They've been dealing with them for a few years now. Apparently the bugs started out on certain plants/trees and now there are expanding. They were on my silver maple in the fall. They do make a satisfying "pop" when you squish them.
From the OP's link: "Since then the invader has harmed important crops including grapes, fruit trees, hop plants and hardwoods, and left gardens, decks and patio furniture in more than a dozen Pennsylvania counties covered in goo." They mention 'hardwoods' but the article does not go into detail. If this new invader harms/kills all hardwoods and they multiply quickly; we are in trouble. Pennsylvania is currently littered with thousands (probably millions) of dead trees from past gypsy moth attacks as well as the ash borer. Our forest were also weakened from decades of acid rain. Dead trees have the habit of falling and many fall on both utility lines and in our public roads - not to mention on houses and cars. Government and utility companies are racing to contain cost by cutting back on tree trimming - but somebody always has to pay.
It would be great to stop this invasion before it starts or to contain it before it spreads - but it might be too late? It is probably just a matter of time until it affects all of the US and Canada.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
