Garden Views: Are Spotted Lanternfly a threat?

Invasive spotted lanternfly could soon appear in Hampton Roads

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — As we enter the warmer months, invasive insects will move in to the Hampton Roads area, as the higher temperatures accelerate the growth of the spotted lanternfly, which poses a significant threat to Virginia while presenting many environmental challenges. "They're not here yet, but they're coming," said Deborah Waller, biological sciences associate professor with Old Dominion University. The intrusive creatures are beautif…

Garden Views: Are Spotted Lanternfly a threat?

Looking back to 2022, a Spotted Lanternfly adult was sighted in Ottawa County near Port Clinton. The next year began the sightings of this insect in Erie and Lucas counties. Wood County was not far behind the Spotted Lanternfly adult was found in Northwood, Walbridge, Millbury, and Rossford. Perrysburg had their first sightings in 2024. The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive insect native to China, India, and Vietnam. Spotted…