I’m modestly opposed to the message that we need to stomp out the spotted lanternfly, for two reasons.
1/ I don’t think current human interventions will prevent this species from spreading pretty widely in North America (projection of possible range here https://entomologytoday.org/2019/10/03/invasive-spotted-lanternfly-large-potential-range-united-states-beyond/) These interventions may slow the spread of the spotted lanternfly, but I doubt by much at all. (Still all over Philly in spite of intensive efforts.)
2/ Some interventions are worse than useless (excessive use of harmful pesticides, bad for native insects and other creatures).
We’ve been here before. EO Wilson called the campaign against the fire ant “the Vietnam of entomology.” The campaign against the spotted lanternfly is the Iraq.
Not against some as yet undiscovered biocontrol methods–these guys ARE bad for farmers.