Fried Eggs

The Spotted Lanternfly has become Linden’s newest invasive species problem. Last year we experienced a late season surge. Females laid their eggs in concentrated corners of the vineyards close to the woods. Egg masses can now be found on vine trunks and on end posts. Each individual egg mass will potentially hatch up to 50 nymphs that will become adults that will feed on vines and that will in turn lay more egg masses later this year.

This is a problem that cannot be solved with one single remedy. Part of our multipronged approach is to burn the egg masses on the posts. Unfortunately vine trunks would be damaged by the heat. An old “flamer” was brought back into service. It had been used with very modest success for weed control years ago. The repurposing has been very effective.

The flame thrower will scorch the egg masses affixed to the posts. This has to been done on a rainy or otherwise damp day as the moisture will prevent fires from starting. While effective in killing the numerous egg masses on end posts, this could only be a small dent in reducing this year’s populations. But in dealing with an unknown entity one has to be creative.

Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Hardscrabble Journal: January 27, 2024