The invasive spotted lanternfly is now being seen in more and more states throughout the country.
Recently it’s been spotted in Kansas, close to Kentucky, and dead ones have been found in Michigan. It’s been seen in New York as well.
In Kansas, a student found the bug and attempted to give a presentation on it at the Kansas State Fair through the 4-H program, resulting in the DEC launching an investigation.
The bug has mostly been seen on the east coast, and likely ended up in Kansas on a camper or vehicle.
Kentucky is worried because it’s been spotted nearby in Indiana, and Michigan remains on the lookout due to dead spotted lanternflies in packaging they received, but have not spotted live ones.
The spotted lanternfly is so dangerous because it can destroy millions in vegetation throughout the entire country and wipe out an entire season of crops.
Crops and trees destroyed include almonds, apples, apricots, cherries, grapes, hops, maple trees, nectarines, oak trees, peaches, pine trees, plums, poplar trees, sycamore trees, walnut trees and willow trees.
Most states ask that if you spot a spotted lanternfly to contact your states DEC and to kill them on sight.
Adult insects can be crushed, and egg masses should be scraped into a plastic bag with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill them.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected]