LANCASTER, Pa. (WHTM) – It appears an unwelcome invader wants more space.

Pest experts with Tomlinson Bomberger told ABC27 News they’re seeing more cases of the spotted lanternfly getting closer to Lancaster. Lanternflies appeared in eastern Lancaster County last year.

“We’re seeing this as far west as Lancaster mailing addresses proper,” said Jay Worth, who works with the pest control service. “17601 and 17602 are really starting to see a lot of this.”

Pest experts believe it’s because the spotted lanternfly population is growing and the insects are looking for more food. Worth said the problem could get worse because the adults will soon lay eggs.

Worth said you can help stop the spread of the pest by removing their preferred food source, which is the Tree of Heaven.

A cheaper option involves duct tape.

“You can do what are called sticky bans,” he said. “A layer of duct tape wrapped backward around the tree should catch some of them. That’s a non-chemical cultural practice you can do to help.”