Springfield officials urge action against lanternfly eggs

The Springfield City Council's Health and Human Services subcommittee met today to discuss the effects of spotted lanternflies on trees and vegetation, and what people can do to help stop these invasive species. Spotted lanternflies have been all over the Springfield area for the past few years, and the problem is only getting worse. The bug is said to damage fruit trees and grapevines, significantly impacting orchards and vineyards around the area. While stepping on them is a small solution, City Councilor Brian Santanello says that he hopes to go after the eggs. He hopes this will decrease the next generation of lanternflies after the current population dies out this winter. As the first frost comes, these lanternflies are going to die. But the thing is, those eggs are going to rehatch next year. And this is just not a problem for Springfield. This is a problem throughout the state. Some preventative measures were discussed at the meeting, such as removing the bug's host tree, another invasive species called the Tree of Heaven. The city forester says people can also scrape off egg masses from other trees where lanternflies may be present.