ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The spotted lanternfly is spreading in North Carolina.
It was first confirmed in the state in 2022. Since then, established populations have been documented in Forsyth, Guilford, Rockingham and Caldwell counties. The invasive insect was first detected in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014.
“It’s important that we’re monitoring, scouting for this pest and doing everything we can to prevent its establishment in our area,” said Luke Owen, commercial horticulture agent with Buncombe County Cooperative Extension.
BROOD XIV CICADAS RETURN TO WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA AFTER 17 YEARS UNDER THE SURFACE
The insect feeds on the sugars inside plants, posing a serious threat to vineyards, small fruit production and apple orchards.
“Those are going to be some pretty heavy impacts that we could see as a result of this pest,” Owen said.
In North Carolina, spotted lanternfly egg masses typically appear between September and May. They can attach to trees as well as manmade surfaces like road signs, birdhouses and car fender wells.
“If you’re traveling, be sure that as you’re coming back, you’re checking your car,” Owen said. “The spotted lanternfly can hitch a ride fairly easily.”
ASK 13: NOTICING BROWN TREE LEAVES? A BUG MAY BE TO BLAME
Owen pointed to Pennsylvania as one example of a high-population area where travelers should be especially vigilant.
Owen urges residents to photograph suspected sightings and report them to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture’s “Stomp the Spread” online tool before exterminating the insect. The form allows people to upload images and include the date and location. Make sure to provide a size reference for identification in your photo.
One of the most effective prevention steps is removing the Tree of Heaven, described by Owen as “one of the favored alternate hosts” for the lanternfly.
THE 2025 HURRICANE SEASON IS UNDERWAY: HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW
“It’s an invasive plant species very common here in western North Carolina, which is very concerning as it’s one of the favored plants that the spotted lanternfly likes to feed on and also lay eggs on,” Owen said.
Locally, the Buncombe County Cooperative Extension is working with NC State Extension Specialist Kelly Oten to study emergence patterns, monitor existing populations and develop treatment strategies if the pest becomes established in the region.
Resources on identifying and removing both the Tree of Heaven and the spotted lanternfly are available at buncombe.ces.ncsu.edu or through the NCDA’s “Stomp the Spread” website.
You can also report sightings directly through the NCDA’s online reporting tool.