The City of College Park’s Animal Welfare Department has recently received reports of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly within our city limits. This destructive pest poses a significant threat to local vegetation and agriculture, as it feeds on the sap of various plants and trees, weakening them and potentially leading to their decline.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture is actively working to monitor and control the spread of this invasive species and is requesting your help in reporting any sightings. If you spot a Spotted Lanternfly in College Park, please take the following steps:
- Report the Sighting: The Maryland Department of Agriculture has set up an online reporting form for tracking the presence of the Spotted Lanternfly. You can access the form here.
When reporting, make sure to:
- Provide the exact location where the insect was seen. You can do this by selecting the location on the interactive map or entering the address.
- Submit a photo of the insect to complete the report. Before leaving the area, take a clear picture of the Spotted Lanternfly to help with identification.
- Learn More: For more information about the Spotted Lanternfly, including its impact and how to recognize it, check out this Municipal Scene article from the City’s Tree and Landscape Board here.
The Spotted Lanternfly poses a serious risk to our trees, crops, and the overall environment. By reporting any sightings, you are helping to protect College Park’s natural resources and contribute to statewide efforts to prevent the spread of this invasive insect.
For any questions or issues with the reporting form, feel free to contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture directly at dontbug.md@maryland.gov.
Let’s work together to protect our community!
