Spotted Lanternfly Awareness – Sustainability Tip

Ammie Faunce • March 14, 2023

With the gradual transition to warmer weather in the area, we’re starting to see the growth of many new spring plants and other types of vegetation. Unfortunately, this warmer weather also means that many invasive pests are beginning to emerge from winter eggs as well.

One of these invasive pests, and the focus of this blog, is the Spotted Lanternfly (referred to as SLF). This insect has been in the United States since 2014 and is once again emerging from its winter eggs in the Pittsburgh region. SLF’s feed on over 70 plants including Maple trees, Birch trees, Willow trees, and grapevines. This feeding can cause damage and even death to young plants! Once fed, SLFs excrete honeydew, a sugary waste, that attracts wasps, bees and black fungi.

Damage and death to these plants have quite a negative effect on Pennsylvania’s economy. According to Penn State Extension, the Spotted Lanternfly has cost Pennsylvania about $50 million both in direct costs and loss of profit and continues to be a growing issue. These pests can also impact your vegetation!

Here’s how you can help:

Physically remove or destroy Spotted Lanternflies and egg masses when you see them! Check weekly if possible.
If your plants are prone to Spotted Lanternflies, consider setting up a trap to avoid these springtime pests. (See other natural methods of killing this pest below.)
Report sightings to https://services.agriculture.pa.gov/SLFReport/.
Inspect vehicles, trailers and any outdoor items before movement within or outside of a quarantine zone.
Inform others to inspect, destroy and report Spotted Lanternflies!

Natural methods to safely kill Spotted Lanternflies:

Vinegar – Spray directly on the bug but please note that vinegar can also damage the plant as well, so be careful where you spray it.
Dish soap mixed with water – Spray directly on the bug; you can also spray this solution over areas where you think Lanternflies frequent.
Dish soap trap – Use the same formulation as above, but here you’ll also add a small amount of apple cider vinegar into a dish or jar to catch bugs. Simply place it where you’d like and wait for the bugs to be lured into the trap.
Sticky strips – Either store-bought or made at home, stick or wrap strips to your tree or other areas that the bugs frequent.
Neem oil – Put the liquid into a spray bottle and spray directly on bugs.

Add some fun to it!

You may not know, but there’s an app to make squishing the Spotted Lanternfly fun! It’s called ‘Squishr’ available on the Mac app store. The developer notes that the app was created to:

Make squishing the Spotted Lanternfly fun.
Record the date, time and location of Spotted Lanternfly sightings and share with State Departments of Agriculture. This data will help authorities understand where Spotted Lanternflies are and how they are spreading over time.

Learn more about Spotted Lanternflies and how to protect your plants at https://lanternflies.org

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Avoid Street Parking During Snow Events

By David Cable • December 9, 2025

Thank you for your cooperation!

Bethel Park Farmers' Market #1

By Kim Weightman • December 2, 2025

The Bethel Park Farmers Market, heading into its 20 th year in 2026, has been named the region’s top farmers market in the “Observer‑Reporter’s Best of the Best Awards,” earning the #1 spot after two rounds of community voting and a gala announcement at the Hilton Garden Inn Southpointe in Canonsburg last month. The award program, organized annually by the Observer-Reporter, celebrates the businesses, organizations, and people the local community believes deserve recognition. The top three vote‑getters in each category are honored at an invite‑only gala, where winners are announced live. “This recognition reflects years of dedication from our staff and volunteers,” said Recreation Director Jason Mentel. “The staff has dedicated considerable effort toward earning this award over the past several years. Sarah’s contribution was instrumental in elevating Bethel Park Farmers Market to achieve this recognition.” Farmers Market Coordinator Sarah Komatsu attended the gala and said, “I was fully shocked and thrilled. It’s been such an honor to steward the Market as it enters its 20th year. I’m grateful to the community who has shown up for two decades, to our incredible vendors, and to all the Market managers before me.” The Bethel Park Farmers Market, sponsored by the Bethel Park Community Foundation and St. Clair Health, continues to grow in accessibility and community impact. This past season featured: Fifty-two vendors , including nearly 20 rotating vendors for variety and six new vendors. Weekly attendance averaging 1,000–1,500 visitors , with peak weeks exceeding 2,000. Record sales reported by multiple vendors throughout the summer. Expanded accessibility through the Food Assistance Match (FAM) program, which doubled SNAP benefits up to $100 weekly, and senior vouchers that increased purchasing power for fresh produce and farm goods. On‑site doctors from St. Clair Health offering blood pressure checks and health conversations, elevating the Bethel Park Farmers’ Market experience. Highlights from the 2025 season included a new food court area, themed events such as National Bee Day and Cow Appreciation Day, musical entertainment, a special cooling tent complete with fun activities such as hula hoops and bubble machines, Market scavenger hunts for children, and partnerships with local organizations for a school supply drive. Assistance for those needing support in transporting their Market goods to their vehicles was also available. Looking ahead, Komatsu plans to expand vendor variety - including food items for those with specialized diets (such as gluten free) and continue building a welcoming, family‑friendly atmosphere. The 2026 season will open Tuesday, May 5, 2026 , and run weekly through September, from 3–7 p.m. at the same location (South Park VIP parking lot off of Corrigan Dr. near the ice-skating rink). Any new vendors interested in participating during the 2026 season can add their name to the waitlist by visiting https://www.bethelparkpa.gov – “Recreation” – “Farmers Market.” 2025 vendor fees were $400 for a full season, $250 for half season, and $150 for once‑a‑month vendors; food truck fees were $500 for a full season and $250 for half season. Komatsu also credited her summer assistant, local Bethel Park High School student Bane Stalder, for his support with the Market and also in managing FAM and troubleshooting. “I couldn’t do it without him,” she said. “He’s already looking forward to returning next season.” For more information, vendor applications, or volunteer opportunities, contact the Bethel Park Farmers Market at farmersmarket@bethelparkpa.gov .