I lived in Pennsylvania near the initial impact zone when these first arrived, in south Jersey a few years later, and moved to new York city about a year ago. The fly is now present in all 3 of these and was when I lived in those spots, but what's interesting is the amount that I see them has decreased every time I visit back to any of these places, particularly in southeast Pennsylvania where I used to see them all the time.
Anyone know why this would be the case? State eradication efforts were in full tilt for about a year or two in 2019 when I saw them all the time in PA, so I'm guessing it's some kind of combination of new predators emerging or the population becoming less dense as it spread out?
I live in a woodsy suburb in SE PA, and saw that first infestation. It was horrible. Disgusting. The next year was way better, and by this year (I can't remember if this is year 3 or 4) there were hardly any. There are definitely predators catching on--I've seen praying mantises and various spiders eating them. I think I've heard that some birds have caught on, too.
What I don't know is at first we heard that it's a little colder than they like around here, and that we should expect them to move south. I haven't heard that it's bad south of here, but I don't know.
I don't think even the authorities know which of their efforts are most effective. Their numbers do seem to be declining in some places, which is heartening at least.
As far as I know, the authorities have done... nothing? I don't know that I would want them to do anything either, I suspect like stink bugs before them, they will enjoy a season or 2 of rapid population growth followed by a decreased population in subsequent years as they acclimate to their new environment.
Anyone know why this would be the case? State eradication efforts were in full tilt for about a year or two in 2019 when I saw them all the time in PA, so I'm guessing it's some kind of combination of new predators emerging or the population becoming less dense as it spread out?