Insects invading Virginia and Pennsylvania could be 'most destructive species in 150 years'...

.foxnews ^ | 10/20/2108 | Madeline Farber

[caww]

An invasive insect species native to China, India and Vietnam is posing a problem in at least two states.... 'The Spotted Lanternfly' is harming crops in Winchester, Virginia, WDVM reported. The Pennsylvania-based Churchville Nature Center said the creatures were also spotted for the first time on its property Thursday.

"If it is new to you, this invasive plant hopper is threatening the forests of the northeast as well as the lumber and agricultural industries. Please keep an eye out for the insect."

The species poses a threat to agriculture and “has the ability to greatly impact the grape, hops and logging industries,” the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture warned.

“The insect causes damage to plants because of its method of feeding, the rapid buildup of large populations and the production of honeydew, a by-product of their feeding activity that serves as a medium for fungal growth. [Spotted lanternfly] can also be a nuisance pest to homeowners when found in large numbers,” the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said in a statement when the species was first detected in the state in February.

[caww]

[txrefugee]

They can only hope for a frigid winter. It seems these pests are more acclimated to warmer climates.

[katnip]

We are in Lower Lehigh County and full of them. Seem to especially like rose bushes and red maple trees. We keep spraying with whatever bug killer we can find.

[Shadow44]

Isn’t free trade grand?

We still have the stink bugs from Asia everywhere, now this.

[samtheman]

More global trade, more global pests.

[LibWhacker]

The species poses a threat to agriculture and “has the ability to greatly impact the grape, hops and logging industries

WHAT?! They're a threat to beer??? That's it. Declare total war on 'em!

[BobL]

I thought California was their best target to flip seats.

[Titus-Maximus]

Why is it always Asia dumping these hideous species onto our shores?

[EURASLEEP]

Globalism brings invasive species of both insects, viruses, and humans. All will cause destruction of the 1st world.

[miserare]

Eek! Another invasive species, just like the “Caravan!”

[tomkat]

stink bugs

HATE those little bastards ! !

[BenLurkin]

Invading insects...https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2018/10/19/19/5210818-6295861-image-a-55_1539974746908.jpg

[trisham]

Oy! Thank goodness we often get temps below zero here in MA.

[EEGator]

Macungie?

[Ezekiel]

'The Spotted Lanternfly' is harming crops in Winchester, Virginia, WDVM reported. The Pennsylvania-based Churchville Nature Center said the creatures were also spotted for the first time on its property Thursday.

What did they look like before they were spotted?

[trisham]

And wine. Fortunately, juniper berries are not on the list.

[bgill]

Hops and grapes. That’ll get the attention of folks.

Which cargo ship brought those in?

[null and void]

You’re assuming the introduction was accidental.

[mass55th]

"We still have the stink bugs from Asia everywhere, now this."

My sister-in-law lives in Ontario, NY, near Rochester, and she said the stink bugs were particularly horrible this summer.

[trisham]

Good point.