Nearly half the US is combatting this invasive insect: What to do if you spot one, how to kill it

The spotted lanternfly has expanded across 19 US states since 2014, causing significant damage to various trees and crops. Because this invasive insect now affects nearly half of the country, government officials are urging residents to take immediate action. The public is instructed to identify the pest, report sightings to the proper authorities, and kill the insects on sight to prevent further environmental degradation and protect agricultural resources from the ongoing spread of the infestation.