From staff reports
State Rep. Donna Oberlander, R-63rd District, will hold a seminar about the dangers of ticks and spotted lanternflies on Thursday, April 25, at 6 p.m. at the Marienville Area Civic Association on Pine Street.
The seminar will be presented by Scott Weikert, an expert with the Penn State Extension.
“With temperatures finally warming up, residents will be heading outdoors to enjoy our beautiful natural resources,” Oberlander said in a news release from her office. “Unfortunately, that also increases the risk they will come in contact with ticks, which are carriers of Lyme and other diseases.
The spotted lanternfly, an inch-long, black, red and white pest is native to China, India, Japan and Vietnam. Sightings of the invasive insect began in Berks County in 2014. It has since spread throughout 13 counties in southeastern Pennsylvania.
“Many of our residents also travel to other parts of the state, whether to go camping or participate in other outdoors activities, and that’s why it is important to be aware of the invasive insect so that we don’t bring it into our area,” Oberlander said.
The insect primarily attacks grapes, apples, pines and stone fruits.
Reservations to attend the seminar are not necessary.