The spotted lanternfly invasion continues to spread across the country and into Kentucky.
What happened?
According to a Facebook post from the Kentucky Entomologist’s Office, the lanternfly began spreading in Gallatin County in 2023 and expanded to 16 counties north of Fayette by early this year.
State entomologists urge residents to remain vigilant to help slow the spread of lanternflies.
The spotted lanternfly, usually found on trees or plants, is an invasive jumper from Asia that was introduced to the United States in 2014 in Pennsylvania.
“That’s when they started spreading to other states,” University of Kentucky entomologist Jonathan Larson told Lex18.
Larson added that these appear to indicate that Kentucky is facing a “full-blown invasion.”
Why is this intrusion worrisome?
Invasive species often disrupt the balance of ecosystems by competing with native species for food, space, and nutrients. They spread rapidly without natural predators and reduce natural biodiversity that helps control disease and protect food supplies.
While a plant or tree may not be completely destroyed by the pest, a fruit tree may be completely wiped out. These flies attack grape, raspberry, blackberry, apple and peach trees, affecting not only the agricultural economy but often also residents’ yards.
They’re usually only active from July to December, but warm winters make it easier for them to breed and lay their eggs on everything from mailboxes to cars and trains.
“They’re bad for the environment because they’re an invasive species,” Larson said. “They’re really thick. They’re very densely distributed and once they get into an area they become very noticeable.”
But the spotted lanternfly isn’t the only invasive threat facing Kentucky right now; across the state, invasive carp have put a bounty on their heads and suffocating kudzu plants are taking over trees and utility poles.
What is being done about these errors?
State entomologists will continue to monitor the spread of this invasive pest. Residents in counties where spot bugs have not been found have been urged to remain vigilant and file reports with the state entomologist’s office.
After that, if you see a spotted lanternfly, “it’s not there anymore,” Carl Harper, senior nursery inspector at the UK Department of Entomology, told Lex18. “Try to stop the spread if possible.”
Commenters on the Facebook post were quick to share their own sightings.
“We saw hundreds of them in Monterey,” one wrote. “Everything happens at some point.”
Another added: “There’s a lot of this on the roads.”
Get TCD’s free newsletter for simple tips to save more, reduce waste and make smarter choices, and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD’s exclusive Rewards Club.
