Spotted Lanternfly: Early Detection Key for NC

lanternfly
Spotted lanternfly photo credit NC Department of Agriculture
New Invasive Insect PestSpotted Lanternfly, an invasive planthopper has been detected in Caldwell County, NC making it the fourth county in our state where the pest has been found. The planthopper has also been identified in Atlanta, Ga. This worries agricultural officials due to the destructive nature of the sap-sucking insect. The insect was first found in Pennsylvania in 2014 and since then it has been slowly spreading.
A Danger to Local Crops This pest poses a threat to tree fruit and grapes, which is why early detection is critical in stopping its spread and minimizing the devastating effect it could have on our agriculture industry here in North Carolina. To help us with early detection learn more about this pest through our resource link below and read the steps you should take if you suspect you have seen a spotted lanternfly in North Carolina.
Report Sightings “We ask that residents keep their eyes out for the pest and report it if they find spotted lanternfly,” said N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Take a photo of the pest and the site where you found it and submit it to us through our online reporting tool.”
  • Please take a photo and send it to badbug@ncagr.gov.
  • When submitting a photo please include the location of the sighting, the date, and your contact information.
  • Clear, close-up, focused images are the easiest to ID! If possible, add a coin, paper clip, or other small objects to the photo to indicate the size of the insect.