Bands of sticky tape installed on trees to ensnare and kill the pesky and invasive Spotted Lanternfly are backfiring and killing some birds, bats and other wildlife that inadvertently get stuck, according to media and other accounts.
The Morning Call reports the sticky tape is entrapping woodpeckers, squirrels and other animals causing outcries from animal rehabilitation centers and other nature groups.
Animal rehabilitators have reporting receiving injured animals because of the sticky tape.
In the Morning Call article, an ornithologist said the sticky bands are one of the worst ideas he has seen.
However, a Penn State lanternfly expert said animal deaths aren’t common and there are ways to prevent the mishaps.
In fact, Penn State created a fact sheet to teach people how to use the sticky bands without harming other wildlife.
An invasive species, the Spotted Lanternfly has been a scourge in the southeastern part of the state, where it can cause heavy damage to agriculture and landscapes, including grape, tree-fruit, hardwood and nursery stock, according to the Penn State Agricultural Extension.
