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Georgia's New Pest: Kill the Spotted Lanternfly!
10 Jul
Summary
- Spotted lanternflies, native to Asia, pose a severe threat to Georgia's agriculture.
- The invasive insect feeds on plants and spreads a damaging mold.
- Citizens are urged to photograph, kill, and report lanternfly sightings.
A highly invasive insect from Asia, the spotted lanternfly, has established a presence in Georgia as of 2024. This pest, first identified in the U.S. in 2014, has since spread to 21 states. Georgia has recorded 79 infestations, all within Fulton County, since its initial live population discovery this year.
The spotted lanternfly poses a significant risk to Georgia's agriculture, which is the state's number one industry. The insect feeds on numerous plants, including grapes, hops, and hardwood trees. As it consumes nutrients, it excretes a sticky substance that can lead to the growth of harmful sooty mold, damaging the plants.
These insects are easily transported, hitchhiking on vehicles, and their eggs can hatch far from their origin. They are recognizable by their distinct wings, featuring speckled brown forewings and bright scarlet hind wings. Officials are asking for public assistance to combat this threat.
Georgians are instructed to take immediate action upon sighting a spotted lanternfly. The recommended steps include photographing the insect, killing it, and reporting the sighting with location details to the Georgia Department of Agriculture. This collective effort is crucial for managing and eradicating the invasive species.
