Invasive spotted lanternflies have been sighted in at least two locations in Covington, as of this week. Government agencies are telling local residents to be on the lookout for the insects. Any flies should be documented and killed if found.
The spotted lanternfly is a destructive pest native to Asia. It feeds on a variety of plant species. As it feeds, it secretes a sticky fluid that can lead to mold build-up, causing more damage to the plants. It has been found in at least 17 states in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was first spotted in Kentucky in Gallatin County in October of last year.
“A single lanternfly was found near the railroad line downtown and a larger population was found by researchers in Devou Park, but we don’t know where else they might be,” Covington Urban Forester Patrick Moore said. “We figure 41,000 sets of eyes are better than just a couple, so please be on the lookout. It’s critical that these populations be controlled before they become widely established.”
If you see a fly adult or nymph, try to capture it, photograph it, kill it and then report it to the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension office by calling (859) 356-3155 or emailing Brandon George at brandon.george@uky.edu or Mary Ann Schultz at maryann.schultz@uky.edu. You can also send photographs and information to ReportAPest@uky.edu.
Learn more about spotted lantern flies and how to report them at the links below: