The spotted lanternfly is on the move again – disrupting native ecosystems and causing issues with human health and agriculture.
Virginia Tech is teaming up with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to empower individuals to take action to prevent the spread of the spotted lanternfly.
“We need to prevent spotted lanternfly from going somewhere else and becoming a problem,” said Eric Day, manager of the Insect ID Lab in the Department of Entomology. “Make sure it does not move on vehicles or plants and remove and squish any you find.”
If seen, join the effort by stomping, treating, and checking for this destructive, invasive insect.
Before you move items stored outside, check for spotted lanternflies on:
- RVs, ATVs, boats, hunting stands, trailers, and portable buildings
- Building materials and stones
- Propane tanks
- Outdoor machinery
- Pallets
- Containers
- Garden equipment
- Outdoor furniture
- Play sets or toys
- Other exposed surfaces
Before you leave your home or work site, check for spotted lanternflies on your vehicle:
- Doors and sides
- Grill
- Bumpers
- Wheel wells
- Roof
- Cargo area
For resources for controlling the spotted lanternfly, visit the Virginia Cooperative Extension website.
Related stories
Spotted lanternfly ‘fairly established’ in Waynesboro; infestation in Augusta County
The best solution to sniff out the dangerous spotted lanternfly? Leave it to the dogs
Tick in Virginia targeting cow herds; state vet warns it ‘could be threat’ to humans
Hammerhead worms: Creepy, nearly indestructible, slithering into parts of Virginia
Share
Crystal Graham
