New York State health officials are asking residents to kill any spotted lanternfly they may see on the spot.
The spotted lanternfly is an incredibly invasive species that harms trees, plants and various greenery causing millions of dollars in damage.
The insect is from China and likely arrived here in a crate from their home. Less than ten years ago they were first spotted in Penn. and have now spread throughout the northeast.
The bugs secrete a sticky residue that harms plants, killing them, and attracts many other insects.
They are responsible for killing entire vineyards and their impact can trickle down to economic harm and job loss.
The lanternfly can be killed with pesticides, by simply crushing it, or extreme heat or cold.
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