Posted on 08/15/22
| News Source: WBAL TV
Some Maryland counties have found themselves under attack by an invasive species that has grown exponentially over the years.
The spotted lanternfly has showed up in huge numbers this summer, swarming forests and people's homes.
The spotted lanternfly's first discovery in Maryland was in 2018, and now, it's seemingly out of control in a number of counties, according to the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Some are calling it an infestation as millions of lanternflies have appeared in a number of neighborhoods in Harford and Cecil counties, as well as Washington County in Western Maryland.
"If I were to show you the map right now about (what) resident reporting looks like online, it's just a blizzard of red points," said Kenton Sumpter, an entomologist with the Department of Agriculture and member of the state's spotted lanternfly team.
Sumpter told 11 News the lanternfly population has exploded over the past four years as they have migrated by hitching rides on trains, semi-trucks and cars.
Originating in eastern Asia and showing up in Maryland, it's believed the spotted lanternfly got to the U.S. in contaminated shipping containers.