The Berks Conservation District hosted a Spotted Lanternfly Banding Material Giveaway Friday morning at the Agricultural Center in Leesport.
A drive-thru was setup in front of the Ag building for residents to pull up and receive 1 roll of banding maternal, free of charge. Due to the limited quantities, the material was only available at a first come first serve basis.
Berks Conservation District Spotted Lanternfly Control Program Coordinator, Evan Corondi, says the banding material was donated by the USDA. Each box contained one roll, 164 Foot long. Kept in good condition, without being exposed to heavy rain, rolls material can last a few weeks.
Not only was Corondi handing out tape to catch Spotted Lanternflys, but also information on trap management. “The flyer goes over how to use the traps and to prevent any bycatch of birds or other small mammals.” Corondi recommends visiting the Penn State Extension website for more details on Lanternfly management. https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly
“Anything using the tree can be caught in the trap”. Corondi says using chicken wire over the tape can help prevent anything other than Lanternflys to be caught in the stick taoe.
For those who were not able to receive tape Friday, Corondi says the Conservation District might receive another shipment next month. If there is another distribution event, it will be announced on the organizations Facebook page.
