Spotted Lanternfly Is In East Tennessee
An invasive pest has been spotted in East Tennessee. Earlier this year, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture had put out a warning about the Spotted Lanternfly, after it had been seen in Middle and West Tennessee. Now, the spotted lanterfly has been spoitted in Knox County. The Department of Agriculture says the spotted laternfly is an insect that attacks a wide variety of plants, from grapevines and fruit trees to hardwoods. They deposit egg masses on nearly any solid object, including vehicles, trailers, firewood, outdoor gear, furniture, and toys. People and their belongings can unknowingly carry these eggs, allowing the pest to spread far beyond its original range.
Department of Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher says the non-native insect threatens the health and viability of several agricultural businesses in the state. He says if anyone were to see a spotted laternfly, stomp it and kill it, and destroy the egg masses by smashing them or dousing them with rubbing alcohol.
The Department of Agriculture asks that anyone spotting this invasive pest report it by going to the website www.tn.gov/protecttnforests/resources/report-a-pest.html.