CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — Invasive spotted lanternflies have already started hatching in surrounding states, and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is recommending residents take certain steps to prevent the species from spreading.
Spotted lanternflies have already been confirmed in 13 West Virginia counties, including Monongalia and Taylor in north central West Virginia, as well as in states across the East Coast. The WVDA said in a post Monday that the invasive bugs have already begun hatching in North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee, and the hatch in West Virginia won’t be far behind.
The WVDA recommends that West Virginians who travel to those areas take a few precautions before returning to West Virginia, including thoroughly wash their car/truck/camper/boat/ATV.
Additionally, if you see a lanternfly, take a photo and report it. In West Virginia, lanternfly sightings can be reported to bugbusters@wvda.us.
Southern and central West Virginia still do not have confirmed spotted lanternflies, but they have spread through the northern and eastern panhandles and are starting to move into north central West Virginia. Last fall, they were only in 10 counties, but they have now expended into Monongalia, Ohio and Marshall counties as well.
Once the lanternflies hatch in West Virginia, checking and washing your car when driving through those areas of the Mountain State is also recommended.
Spotted lanternflies are dangerous to West Virginia because they damage multiple types of plants, especially fruit trees that grow in the state, according to the WVDA.