Spotted lanternfly sightings down in parts of U.S.

Spotted lanternflies appear to be less visible this summer in parts of the eastern United States, according to local reports from Pennsylvania and Virginia. 6abc Philadelphia reported on August 5 that many areas are seeing fewer of the invasive insects than in recent years, when adults were common on trees, sidewalks and cars. (6abc.com) In Lynchburg, Virginia, WSET reported the same day that residents who once described seeing “hundreds a day” are now reporting much lighter numbers. Federal lawmakers from Pennsylvania and other states are still pushing new research funding, underscoring that officials do not consider the pest contained. (wset.com) ### Why are people saying there are fewer lanternflies this summer? 6abc Philadelphia said reports are down in many areas compared with recent summers, when spotted lanternflies were widespread across southeastern Pennsylvania and nearby communities. (fetterman.senate.gov) The station said experts pointed to several possible reasons for the drop, rather than a single confirmed cause. WSET reported on August 5 that experts in Lynchburg linked the decline there to predators and environmental conditions. The station said residents who had previously dealt with heavy daily sightings are now seeing far fewer insects in 2026. (6abc.com) ### Does that mean the infestation is over? Pennsylvania and Virginia reporting suggests no. The decline described by local outlets is about sightings in some places this summer, not a declaration that the invasive species has been eliminated. 6abc framed the change as a reduction from recent peak years, while WSET described a local drop tied to conditions and predation. (6abc.com) Virginia public radio station WVTF reported in July that state officials still consider spotted lanternflies an active invasive threat and said the insects continue to spread in Virginia. WVTF said officials there advise residents to focus less on individually squashing insects and more on removing tree of heaven, a preferred host plant. (wset.com) ### Why are senators introducing a bill if sightings are down? U.S. Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick said last week they introduced the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act with Senators Ron Wyden and Kirsten Gillibrand. Fetterman’s office said the bill would designate spotted lanternfly as a high-priority research initiative for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. (6abc.com) Fetterman said the insect has damaged crops important to Pennsylvania, including grapevines, apples, peaches and hops. NBC Philadelphia and other local outlets reported the bill is aimed at funding research and improving control efforts rather than declaring the problem resolved. (wvtf.org) ### Where is the bug still a concern? Pennsylvania remains central to the issue. ABC27 reported this week that the insect was first found in Berks County in 2014 and had spread to all but 10 Pennsylvania counties as of 2025. USA Today and CBS Pittsburgh both reported on the new Senate bill as a response to an ongoing agricultural threat. (fetterman.senate.gov) Virginia remains affected as well. WVTF reported in July that spotted lanternflies are present in more than half of Virginia’s cities and counties, and WSLS said last month that the insects are now “pretty much everywhere in Virginia,” citing a Virginia Cooperative Extension agent. (fetterman.senate.gov) ### What happens next? The next test will come through the rest of August, when adult spotted lanternflies are typically most visible. Observer-Reporter reported on August 6 that mating season begins during August, and WVTF reported in July that August is the period when adults are most active in Virginia. In Washington, the Senate bill introduced by Fetterman, McCormick, Wyden and Gillibrand will need committee action before it can advance. (abc27.com) (observer-reporter.com) (wvtf.org)