Discussion: Looks like a true villain o...
in: JanetT; JanetT > 2019-07-19
Jul 19, 2019 8:50 PM
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Looks like a true villain out of a superhero anime. I guess the biggest problem with invasives is that natural enemies are not imported as well?
Jul 19, 2019 9:05 PM
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That's exactly it in this case. Since they were first discovered in this area (first appearance was a few summers ago in a neighboring county, tracked down to a load of lumber from China, I believe), Penn State and local college biology departments have focused on finding some way to stop them.
Their preferred host tree is the ailanthus (planted as an ornamental in many places) but they also feast on and can damage fruit trees and grape vines, threatening those industries.
I remember a period of several weeks in August last year swatting dozens of the adults, who jump away but can't fly far, giving you the opportunity for a second shot. Neighbors have discussed immobilizing them with a mixture of water and dish detergent so they can't jump/fly and so become sitting ducks, so to speak. They're really rather pretty, but destructive.
Their preferred host tree is the ailanthus (planted as an ornamental in many places) but they also feast on and can damage fruit trees and grape vines, threatening those industries.
I remember a period of several weeks in August last year swatting dozens of the adults, who jump away but can't fly far, giving you the opportunity for a second shot. Neighbors have discussed immobilizing them with a mixture of water and dish detergent so they can't jump/fly and so become sitting ducks, so to speak. They're really rather pretty, but destructive.
This discussion thread is closed.