The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive insect native to Asia that is just everywhere in Pennsylvania. That’s even though it was discovered just nine years ago in Berks County.

Spotted lanternfly feeds on sap from a myriad of plants but has a strong preference for plants important to Pennsylvania's economy, including grapevines, maples, black walnut, birch and willow. Spotted lanternfly's feeding damage stresses plants which can decrease their health and in some cases cause death.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture gave some unusual instructions to Pennsylvanians who see spotted lanternflys. We were told to smash them on sight.

The department has a weapon though – Lucky the Lanternfly sniffing dog. Shane Phillips Compliance and Enforcement Specialist, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture with Lucky.

Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.