By Corey Bennett
Though these cute-looking bugs may look harmless, they are in fact some of the most dangerous insects when it comes to agriculture. This fun colored, ladybug looking insect, is actually called a spotted lanternfly. Although it does not hurt people or animals, it is a risk to plants. These insects are an invasive species that have recently been spotted in Canada, Virginia, North Carolina, New York, and Maryland. According to a recent study done by Brain Eshenaur, the spotted lanternfly has migrated over to the Midwest.
The public has been notified by multiple parks that these invasive species should be killed on sight due to the amount of destruction that they can cause. They can, and will feed on almost anything, with them being able to eat more than 100 different plant species. Though they may eat almost anything, according to a recent study done by Eshenau, they do happen to have their favorites, which would be the tree of heaven and grapevines.
Virginia’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer services are telling the public that we need to change our normal habits in order to stop these insects from repopulating and spreading their rein of terror. They are suggesting that we use firewood from local sources and burn it by May, before these eggs have a chance to hatch and spread further in May, destroying agriculture more.
Virginia’s Department is also warning people to be careful of parking their vehicles underneath trees or next to bushes, where these insects are able to lay eggs or hide away in their cars.
Do not fear though, because these insects are very easy to get rid of, simply stomping on them kills them.
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