That stubborn spot on the car might be spotted lanternfly poop

Drivers in central Pennsylvania, and beyond, might notice their cars covered in clear, sticky substances this time of the year. This is especially true if they park under a tree.

It’s not super glue, though it certainly behaves like it. The substance is actually excrement from the invasive spotted lanternfly.

Known as honeydew, the sugary fluid is excreted by sap-sucking insects, such as the spotted lanternfly. Aphids also release honeydew but on a much smaller scale.

Bees can feed off the substance, often in the absence of nectar, to create honey. But left unchecked it can develop sooty mold, which is dangerous for native plant species. The build up of honeydew can also obstruct visibility in a car and damage the outer paint.

Because it’s such a sticky substance, it’s nearly impossible to wipe away with just a dry rag.