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Pennsylvania residents are taking measures to combat pests swarming their yards: 'It's going to be bad this year'

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Pennsylvania residents are taking measures to combat pests swarming their yards: 'It's going to be bad this year'


Homeowners are gearing up for the influx of invasive species that attack their gardens every summer. 

While the spotted lanternfly can be a pretty insect to look at, with its spots and hints of bright red, the bug is classified as an invasive species that feeds on a variety of plants and crops — leaving behind millions of dollars worth of damage. 

One homeowner discovered several newly hatched lanternflies, known as nymphs, and shared a video of them on the r/pittsburgh subreddit thread. 

Photo Credit: Reddit

“Spotted Lantern Fly Nymphs on Every Tree I inspect,” the original poster said. 

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The video showed several lanternflies in their early stages of life, resting on the bark of a tree. 

The spotted lanternfly is native to China, India, and Vietnam. However, in 2014 it was discovered in Berks County, Pennsylvania. 

The insect has no natural predators, often thriving in backyard gardens or crop-filled fields. Spotted lanternflies are known for ravaging native plants, draining their sap, and leaving excrement that can cause further disease to the greenery. 

While the spotted lanternfly does not threaten humans, according to the Natural History Museum in London, it has been found to threaten more than 100 species of trees and plants. The damage it causes not only harms ecologically important plants but also harms regions economically. The Cool Down previously reported that in Pennsylvania, these flies can cost farmers and the state around $324 million each year.

These insects are known for laying large masses of eggs, which has led local and state governments to issue campaigns to destroy the fly. 

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For those wanting to avoid squashing the insect, try this bottle trick to get rid of the bug and help support your ecosystem. 

As some have begun to spot the spotted lanternfly nymphs in their gardens, other homeowners have warned that certain regions could be in for an influx of the invasive species. 

“They’re all over my Bee Balm. It’s going to be bad this year,” one wrote on Reddit. 

“Smashed about 30 today… so little and so plentiful… hate these things,” another said.

“I went up on the roof of the porch on the front of my house to inspect something. Looked up and they were all over the top of my house!” a third chimed in.

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania lawmakers push for data center regulations as development accelerates

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Pennsylvania lawmakers push for data center regulations as development accelerates


Pennsylvania lawmakers are in the middle of budget season, trying to push through legislation. Some of the bills they’re prioritizing are some of the most important to folks in the Pittsburgh region related to data centers. KDKA-TV’s Lauren Linder reports.



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Pennsylvania

June 18 Playbook: A Pessimistic Pennsylvania

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June 18 Playbook: A Pessimistic Pennsylvania


🤠 G’day Thursday. Headlines. Pennsylvanians Pessimistic About Trump, Economy and State of Federal Government. PA’s Rainy Day Fund and 2026-27 Budget. U.S. Steel Workers Remain Divided Over Benefit of Nippon Steel Takeover. The Curse of the Rocky Statue 🎶 Your Morning Pick Me Up. Here and Now. Letters to Cleo…



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Pennsylvania

Showers Thursday morning, warm and gusty for the afternoon

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Showers Thursday morning, warm and gusty for the afternoon


Tomorrow’s front looks weaker with just a few showers early in the morning…

EVENING: Increasing clouds, summer-like. Temps near 80.

TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy and warm. Low 68.

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THURSDAY: Scattered showers between 6-10am. Clearing, windy and warm for the afternoon. High 88.

Wednesday felt a little more like summer as temperatures reach 85 degrees. The humidity still remains tolerable this evening as clouds increase from an approaching front.

The cold front arrives Thursday morning, leading to a broken line of scattered showers between 6-10am. Once the front clears, gusty winds between 20-30mph will develops with afternoon temperatures near 88 degrees. A little unusual for a post cold front!

The upcoming weekend will be dry with low humidity and lots of sunshine. It should be a great weekend to spend with Dad! We’ll keep you posted, but the next chance for rain will be another front next Monday.

– Meteorologist Eric Finkenbinder

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