Scientists work to stop new pest from spreading to western Pa.

Scientists are working to stop the spread of an invasive insect in Pennsylvania.

According to Channel 11's news exchange partners at TribLIVE, the spotted lanternfly has arrived in eastern parts of the state but it has not been seen in western Pennsylvania.

"It's not there yet, and we hope it never gets there," Emelie Swackhammer, spokeswoman for Penn State Extension, told TribLIVE.

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The insect has been found in six counties in eastern Pennsylvania.  Those areas have been quarantined.

The spotted lanternfly feeds on plant stems.

"So its waste becomes like this honeydew substance that coats everything around where they're feeding," Sven Spichiger, a Department of Agriculture entomologist, told TribLIVE.

That substance supports the growth of sooty mold, which causes leaves to wither and can spread to fruit. It also attracts stinging insects.

The insect lays its eggs on smooth surfaces. Experts are concerned about the potential damage to crops and wood in affected areas.

"It could be on firewood, lawn furniture, fence posts, tire rims, barrels, picnic tables, basically anything that's stored outside," Swackhammer told TribLIVE.

Cox Media Group