You’ve probably seen pictures of the harmless-looking spotted lanternfly in other states in the U.S., and now, it’s confirmed in Georgia. Spotted lanternflies pose no threat to humans, so don’t worry about that–but they’re a huge threat to Georgia’s agriculture industry! Georgia Department of Agriculture says,
Today, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) has received confirmation from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that the first detection of Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula or SLF), an invasive planthopper that poses a serious risk to the state’s agriculture, was made in Fulton County, Georgia on October 22, 2024, and confirmed by USDA APHIS on November 14, 2024. The first confirmed detection of the Spotted Lanternfly was made in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has spread to 17 states, including Tennessee and North Carolina.
What do I do if I see a spotted lanternfly?
In short, the Georgia Department of Agriculture is asking anyone who sees a spotted lanternfly to report it and kill it.
Here are the steps you should follow:
- Take a photo of the insect, if you are able.
- Kill it by swatting or squashing.
- Report what you saw. You can report the spotted lanternfly here. The reporting link also gives images of the bug in comparison to other insects, so you can know exactly what kind of fly/bug you’re dealing with.
Are spotted lanternflies dangerous to humans?
No! Spotted lanternflies are NOT dangerous to humans, so you don’t need to fret! But the Georgia Department of Agriculture says they are dangerous for lots of Georgia’s plants, for example, “grapes, hops, stone fruits, and hardwood trees.”
So keep your eyes peeled for these invasive pests! Make sure to report them as soon as you see them in your home, yard or neighborhood!