Spotted Lanternfly Seen In Loudoun, Residents Asked To Slow Its Spread

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — The spotted lanternfly is now in Loudoun County, government officials said in a news release on Wednesday. Officials are asking residents to help slow the spread of the invasive bug.

The spotted lanternfly is native to Asia, but is invasive in the U.S. While the bug is harmless to people and pets, the insect feeds on and damages more than 100 crops and plants in the area.

Beth Sastre is a horticulturist with the Virginia Cooperative Extension in Loudoun.

“Increased public awareness and vigilance is a critical tool in slowing the spread of this damaging insect,” Sastre said in a news release. “Because the spotted lanternfly’s appearance changes dramatically throughout its life cycle, we encourage residents to take the time to learn how to recognize the different stages and to take steps to remove the insect from their property.”

Officials said it's important for residents to kill the bug when they see it, or it can spread to more areas. The spotted lanternfly can spread through natural means or by hitching a ride on cars, in firewood, or on other goods.

Loudoun County officials urged residents to be especially cautious if they're travelling from known infected areas.

Read more: Spotted Lanternfly In Virginia: Quarantines, Timing Of Life Cycle

Anyone who sees a spotted lanternfly in Loudoun County should kill it and scrape off or squash any egg masses, county officials said. Residents can then report the sighting online.