Penn State officials are offering some factual information to counter fictional claims about an invasive pest.
Agricultural science researchers at the college say the destructive nature of the spotted lanternfly has resulted in frustration as well as the sharing of misinformation on social media.
Spotted lanternflies are not known to bite, sting, or attack humans or animals but it can kill grape plants and especially feeds on a weed tree known as “tree of heaven”. Homemade sprays are often ineffective and can be harmful for beneficial insects, plants, and animals.
The spotted lanternfly still hasn’t officially been seen in Butler County, but officials say its range is continuing to spread across the state.
