For those with experience: What can I expect to happen with the Spotted lanternfly next year?

Hi,

We're just starting to experience the first influx of spotted lanternfly in my area (Central Pennsylvania).  I had my first sighting this spring where I found one of the black nymphs (which quickly jumped away) and then I noticed two or three more throughout the year.  Last year I did find them on another property where a large number had congregated in a bush (for some reason), but I saw them nowhere else for the rest of the summer.

This year there are quite a few flying around and we even had one inside the house.  Lots of dead on the sidewalks too.

I was wondering if there are any forum members who live in a totally infested area of the country who can tell me exactly what to expect?  I see pictures of trees with the trunks totally covered in insects and wonder if this is the norm, or does this just happen certain trees?  Are all of the plants being weakened or killed?

I have googled what happens, but I'd like to hear from real people who have experience first hand what has happened to their orchards and gardens.  It seems like watching news reports and reading university documents doesn't really give a clear picture of what to expect usually.

My father-in-law has an orchard and I'm starting to take a keen interest in grafting and apple tree propagation, and I'm starting to reconsider if things are as they seem to be.

We were picking apples yesterday, I was thinking just how miserable it would be if you had to squeeze into the tree to get those hard to reach apples while hundreds or more of spotted lantern fly were there with you.  I don't know how much they will damage the trees.  I would assume that they also damage the fruit on the tree?

Thank you in advance.  As always, I appreciate any advice or suggestions.
Regards, Tim

This is a very timely post for me.  I live on Long Island, and they are literally here in my back yard.  There's  an ever-growing infestation of the invasive Tree of Heavenin NY and PA (a favorite of the Spotted Lantern Fly).  As a result, the future looks bleak whether for your orchard, my cherry trees, or the vineyards and peach orchards out east.  

"The spotted lanternfly uses its piercing-sucking mouthpart to feed on sap from over 70 different plant species. It has a strong preference for economically important plants including grapevines, maple trees, black walnut, birch, willow, and other trees. The feeding damage significantly stresses the plants which can lead to decreased health and potentially death."  https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly

"As SLF feeds, the insect excretes honeydew (a sugary substance) which can attract bees, wasps, and other insects. The honeydew also builds up and promotes the growth for sooty mold (fungi), which can cover the plant, forest understories, patio furniture, cars, and anything else found below SLF feeding."  https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly

I have one Tree of Heaven on my property which has to go, because besides attracting the lantern fly,this article will explain why: https://extension.psu.edu/tree-of-heaven.  However, I know of no way to get rid of it using organic or methods in line with permaculture.  Perhaps someone here can help with that.  I also have black walnut trees and oaks, which they are also fond of.

Honestly, I've got no good news.  It's not looking good for my adolescent food forest.

Although I must add, Nature will have her way and nature is adaptation.  So I'll wait to see what the new gift to come is.

Susan Mené wrote:Although I must add, Nature will have her way and nature is adaptation.  So I'll wait to see what the new gift to come is.

Thank you Susan.   Sure doesn't look good does it?  I was going to order a large amount of Scions for spring and I'm rethinking that now.  I was also thinking about starting a few Stooling beds to start rootstock.  I'd hate to invest the time into something that requires constant policing and protection all summer long.

There is this:

There's fungus among us, and it might kill off the spotted lanternfly in Pa.

https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/08/30/biopesticide-being-tested-battle-spotted-lanternfly-pa-pesticide-penn-state-cornell/2149638001/

But I really had to search to find it on the web....seems like it might not be working out?

Well,  Keep looking up.  
Tim

Also forgot to mention the gypsy moth invasion,  which seemed like the end of the world when it came.  I still remember the way they started to pour down over a ridge in a wave, close to our home.  You literally could see them progressing because the leaves were turning brownish as the caterpillars ate them.  The ridges behind were brownish and the top of the ridge in front was starting to turn brown while the bottom was still green.

Now the gypsy moth is history and no one even thinks of them.

I remember the gypsy moth invasion.  We all did ok, didn't we?

I don't have experience with SLF but it seems that having it's preferred food, the tree of heaven, could be useful in monitoring and management. If the tree is growing in an invasive way, it makes sense to remove it, but to maybe pot up one or a few first to grow on as a sort of trap crop.
Natural pests seem to be birds, praying mantises, and wasps. I would maybe try to attract/re-locate these near where the pots are placed by having food-sources, water, perches/habitat for the pest control crew. Then I'd keep an eye out for signs of the SLF and watch for seeds forming on the tree of heaven.

We went in with the neighbors and had aerial spraying done in our adjoining wood lots last year to knock down a strong gypsy moth infestation.  They aren’t gone