The California Association of Winegrape Growers is urging other winegrowers to be on high alert for spotted lanternflies that are sharing egg masses, as some have been found that may produce adult bugs in the coming weeks — with peak populations expected in late summer or early fall.
Luis Magdaleno, Munselle Vineyards' pest control adviser and viticulturist in Geyserville, California, said his team has not encountered the pest yet, but if they do, it will be "pretty bad." And, "education and early detection are key" for vineyard owners, according to the representative of the Winegrape Growers. "Learning to identify SLF in its various life stages is crucial for tackling this pest early if it arrives in California.