You might see it and think: “Cute. Looks like a tiny superhero.”
But don’t be fooled.
That flashy red-and-black insect with polka-dotted wings isn’t just passing through — it’s an invasive predator destroying trees, crops, and backyards across the Eastern U.S. Meet the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), a hitchhiking pest from Asia that’s as beautiful as it is destructive.
And yes — if you spot one, you should kill it immediately.
Here’s why this bug is a serious threat — and what you need to do to protect your plants, trees, and community.
🔥 Why the Spotted Lanternfly Is So Dangerous
This isn’t just another garden bug. The spotted lanternfly feeds by piercing plant stems and sucking out sap, weakening trees and vines over time. But the real damage comes from what it leaves behind:
1. Honeydew: Bug « Bleed-Out » That Ruins Everything
The lanternfly excretes a sticky, sugary substance called honeydew.
Sounds harmless? It’s not.
Honeydew coats leaves, trunks, and anything below the tree — then invites sooty mold to grow.
This black, fuzzy fungus blocks sunlight, stunts growth, and can eventually kill the plant.
🍇 Result: Vineyards lose grape yields. Apple orchards suffer. Maple trees weaken. Backyard gardens turn grimy.
2. It Feeds on Over 70+ Plants
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