Spotted Lanternflies Are Back. Here's Why the USDA Wants You to Kill Them
The spotted lanternfly is back, and this time, it's showing up early. The invasive pest from Asia has already been spotted in at least 17 U.S. states before summer even officially begins, and agricultural experts are sounding the alarm.
The brightly colored insect may look harmless perched on trees or fences, but it's anything but. First detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, the spotted lanternfly has spread rapidly, hitching rides on vehicles, outdoor gear, and even coolers.
States now reporting sightings include Michigan, Kansas, New York, and Virginia, according to the World Population Review tracker. Other states where this bug has been sighted include, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia.
Why does this bug matter? Because it's devastating to trees and crops—especially grapevines, fruit orchards, and hardwood forests. The lanternfly feeds by sucking sap from plants and secreting a sticky substance called honeydew, which promotes mold growth and weakens the plant. And they do it in swarms.
The USDA has made its recommendation clear: If you see a lanternfly—kill it. Whether it's an egg mass that looks like a smudge of dirt, a tiny black nymph with white spots, or a full-grown adult with spotted tan wings, the government wants you to squish it, preferably with your shoe.
While that may sound extreme, researchers say the pest's rapid spread leaves few other options. Lanternflies have few natural predators in the U.S., though studies suggest native spined soldier bugs and mantises may help in the long term.
Until then, the best defense is public awareness. Before you travel, check your gear, vehicles, and outdoor furniture. Egg masses can cling to almost anything—fence posts, tires, even lightbulbs.
Spotted lanternflies may be small, but they pose a serious threat to the nation's crops, forests, and ecosystems. So if you see one this summer, don't just take a photo. Take it out.Spotted Lanternflies Are Back. Here's Why the USDA Wants You to Kill Them first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 9, 2025
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Spotted Lanternflies Are Back. Here's Why the USDA Wants You to Kill Them
The spotted lanternfly is back, and this time, it's showing up early. The invasive pest from Asia has already been spotted in at least 17 U.S. states before summer even officially begins, and agricultural experts are sounding the alarm. The brightly colored insect may look harmless perched on trees or fences, but it's anything but. First detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, the spotted lanternfly has spread rapidly, hitching rides on vehicles, outdoor gear, and even coolers. States now reporting sightings include Michigan, Kansas, New York, and Virginia, according to the World Population Review tracker. Other states where this bug has been sighted include, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia. Why does this bug matter? Because it's devastating to trees and crops—especially grapevines, fruit orchards, and hardwood forests. The lanternfly feeds by sucking sap from plants and secreting a sticky substance called honeydew, which promotes mold growth and weakens the plant. And they do it in swarms. The USDA has made its recommendation clear: If you see a lanternfly—kill it. Whether it's an egg mass that looks like a smudge of dirt, a tiny black nymph with white spots, or a full-grown adult with spotted tan wings, the government wants you to squish it, preferably with your shoe. While that may sound extreme, researchers say the pest's rapid spread leaves few other options. Lanternflies have few natural predators in the U.S., though studies suggest native spined soldier bugs and mantises may help in the long term. Until then, the best defense is public awareness. Before you travel, check your gear, vehicles, and outdoor furniture. Egg masses can cling to almost anything—fence posts, tires, even lightbulbs. Spotted lanternflies may be small, but they pose a serious threat to the nation's crops, forests, and ecosystems. So if you see one this summer, don't just take a photo. Take it Lanternflies Are Back. Here's Why the USDA Wants You to Kill Them first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 9, 2025
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