Heat treatments to kill eggs of two invasive insects: Spotted lanternfly and spongy moth

Invasive insects threaten the resilience and function of forest and agricultural systems in the eastern US. The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), and the spongy moth, Lymantria dispar L., are two introduced pests into the eastern United States that spread along human transportation corridors by ovipositing on vehicles and cargo. There is a critical need to develop ways to kill the egg masses without harming the vehicles or their cargo. In this study, the effect of heat treatments on spotted lanternfly and spongy moth egg masses was investigated in the laboratory.  We treated both freshly laid (Fall) and overwintered (Spring) eggs since they may respond differently to temperature. The temperature range evaluated was 45-60°C and the egg masses were exposed for 15-75 minutes to the various temperatures. We allowed them to hatch naturally under an alternating temperature regime that mimicked Scranton, PA. Total eggs and percent hatch of embryonated eggs were determined after hatch was complete. This will allow us to estimate temperature profiles for heat treatments to kill the eggs and prevent the movement of both insects on vehicles and their contents.