Readers speak: Spotted Lanternflies invade downtown Hartford sidewalks. We have to destroy them.

There are Spotted Lanternflies all over downtown Hartford sidewalks right now.

Yesterday I saw many around the Boat Building.

Today I saw them on Front Street and by the Convention Center and UConn.

One of CT’s most invasive insect species is gaining in numbers. Here’s what you need to know.

Everyone should stomp on them if they see any. Building managers should inspect their properties to find and destroy the egg sacks. Together we can all help to combat this invasive pest.  

Julie Jones, Connecticut

Editor’s note: Spotted lanternflies, native to China and East Asia, were first found in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014, according to experts. The insect is an exotic, invasive sap-feeding plant hopper that has the potential to impact agriculture. The insect particularly affects grapes, hops and ornamental trees. Spotted lanternfly adults are able to feed on more than 70 species of plants, making it unique in its ability to negatively affect crops and plants.

 

https://www.courant.com/2025/09/04/readers-speak-spotted-lanternflies-invade-downtown-hartford-sidewalks-we-have-to-destroy-them/