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By Tara Lynch

Updated on: May 21, 2024 / 6:37 PM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE — Are the pesky spotted lanternflies here to stay?

These pests are causing headaches for Maryland winemakers, who say the sap-sucking insects could sour business.

The bugs have a habit of hitchhiking on cars or individuals, permitting them to move across different areas. As they will reappear this summer, they will rank among the seasonal tourists that throng wineries.

They infiltrate and aim to drain the sap from the vine, mentioned Sarah O’Herron, the initiator and co-proprietor of Black Ankle Vineyards located in Mount Airy. When the infestation is extensive, it can result in the plant’s death.

This invasive species is eliminating the joy for winemakers, possibly leading to expensive harm to vines that have been around for decades.

Most of the vines have been around for 20 years, and the ageing process only enhances the quality of their fruits. Therefore, if the plant weakens, the chances of a decline in wine quality are high, O’Herron added. Disregarding the expenses related to the plant itself, setting it up and maintaining it all these years, the losses incurred cannot be compensated.

The state issued a quarantine for 19 counties and Baltimore City– signaling Maryland residents that these intrusive insects have returned. Despite various efforts, fully eradicating them remains a challenge, with the most effective method being physical removal.

This quarantine restricts the transportation of potentially infested materials that could harbour the spotted lanternfly in any stage of its life cycle, including the stages of egg clusters, nymphs, and mature bugs.

“To control their infestation, just squash them, stomp on them, check your vehicles and yourself to ensure you’re not unintentionally helping in their dispersion,” advised Michael McCracken, an agricultural inspector for the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Even though the summer season might intensify the problem, O’Herron believes that the farming community, accustomed to dealing with Mother Nature’s challenges, will persevere. While these pests will not lead to the demise of the industry, they will, however, be a significant irritant.

“We’ll have a few irritating years and then I hope it’ll all kind of settle back and we’ll be on to the next thing,” O’Herron said.

These bugs cannot hurt humans.

Before driving, make sure to check your car so that they don’t get a free ride to a place they haven’t been.

Businesses, municipalities and government agencies requiring any regulated item’s movement within or from the quarantine zone must have a specialized permit.

The permit can be acquired by completing a free online training course and test provided by PennState Extension, as stated by the MDA.

Regulated articles that could be included are waste from landscaping, remodeling, or construction, packing materials such as wooden boxes or crates, plant and plant parts, vehicles, and other outdoor objects.

All spotted lanternfly permits for Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware are interchangeable and applicable throughout the region.

Those residing within the quarantine zones are urged by the State’s Department of Agriculture to be cautious in preventing the dispersion of spotted lanternflies.

Sightings may be reported through MDA’s online survey. Other informational materials are available on the program’s website.

The best advice – if you see them, squish them.

First published on May 21, 2024 / 5:09 PM EDT