What a pest! Spotted lanternflies are spreading in the U.S.

https://www.npr.org/2022/08/18/ [login to see] /what-a-pest-spotted-lanternflies-are-spreading-in-the-u-s
Ever since the spotted lanternfly first appeared in Berks County, Pa., in 2014 (arriving from its home in Asia), this invasive species has been booking it across the United States.

Recent reports indicate the bugs have settled in New York, Canada, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina, and now, according to Brian Eshenaur, they have migrated over to the Midwest.

These insects are not dangerous to humans or pets — they don't bite or sting, and they aren't venomous. But they do pose a serious risk to agriculture.

Eshenaur, with the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, said he and his team started monitoring the spotted lanternfly in 2018. At that time, the project warranted maybe an update two to three times a year.

And now?

"We've updated it twice a week, even just to keep up with all the new counties in the Northeast and out in the Midwest that are having infestations," he told NPR.

"They have a pretty diverse palate and can feed on over 100 different plant species," Eshenaur said. But they have their favorites, including the tree of heaven (itself an invasive species) and grapevines.