Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Tracking 'Critical' In GA

A new insect threat: The spotted lanternfly

A new invasive insect is trying to make Georgia its home — and the public’s help is critical to tracking the invasion, according to University of Georgia researchers.

These dogs are trained to sniff out an invasive insect—and they're shockingly good at it

Dogs trained by everyday pet owners are proving to be surprisingly powerful allies in the fight against the invasive spotted lanternfly. In a groundbreaking study, citizen scientists taught their dogs to sniff out the pests’ hard-to-spot egg masses with impressive accuracy. The initiative not only taps into the huge community of recreational scent-detection dog enthusiasts, but also opens a promising new front in protecting agriculture. And it d…

Spotted lanternflies return to Western Pa: How to manage these invasive pests

If you've recently noticed an influx of lanternflies around your neighborhood, you're not alone. Experts say the occurrence is tied to the insect's life cycle.

Scientists discover incredible way common ants could help solve major issue impacting US farmers: 'Surprisingly effective'

Virginia Tech scientists have discovered that common ants could help detect spotted lanternflies — invasive insects that have been sighted across the United States — before they have a chance to destroy trees, crops, and backyard gardens. According to a news release from the university, a team of researchers led by Assistant Professor Scotty Yang in the Department of Entomology found that ants' addiction to sugar could play an important role in …

Man's best friend could be the spotted lanternfly's worst enemy

A new study led by Virginia Tech found that volunteer dog-handler teams—made up of everyday people and their pets—can effectively detect the elusive egg masses of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect that's damaging farms and forests across the eastern and central United States.

Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Tracking 'Critical' In GA

With adult season in full swing, the University of Georgia said people should watch for the invasive spotted lanternfly on their property.