‘They don’t belong in our environment’: US vineyards battle spotted lanternflies as invasive insects spread
Summary
Spotted lanternflies, invasive bugs originally from China, have spread to 19 U.S. states and Washington DC since 2014. These insects damage grapevines and other plants by sucking their sap and secreting a sticky liquid that harms crops and trees, threatening the wine and forestry industries.Key Facts
- Spotted lanternflies were first found in the U.S. in 2014 in Pennsylvania.
- The bugs have spread to 19 states and Washington DC, mainly in the Northeast.
- They feed on grapevines, hops, fruit trees, and more by sucking their sap.
- They release a sugary liquid called honeydew, which promotes harmful mold growth on plants.
- Zephaniah Farm Vineyard in Virginia saw its grape harvest drop by half, possibly due to lanternfly damage.
- Scientists expect lanternflies to continue spreading and are studying ways to protect crops.
- Experts recommend killing the bugs to reduce their numbers and prevent spreading through cars or trains.
- Some parks have removed trees that attract lanternflies to protect local forests.
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