FULTON COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) – An invasive species has been detected in Fulton County, Georgia, and is believed to be a threat to the state's future agriculture.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) received the detection confirmation of the Spotted Lanternfly from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Oct. 22, 2024, and confirmed by USDA APHIS on Nov. 14, 2024.
It's the first sighting of the Spotted Lanterfly in the state.
“The Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive pest that poses a serious threat to our state’s #1 industry, has been detected for the first time in Georgia,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “We urge anyone who sees the Spotted Lanternfly in their area to document it, report it, and kill it. Controlling the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly is our best strategy for safeguarding Georgia’s agriculture industry, and we are asking for the public’s help in this effort.”
(AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
This species is no threat to human health. It mostly feeds on a variety of plants. Its feeding weakens these plants and produces a sticky, sugary fluid that encourages the growth of sooty mold, further harming crops.
Georgians are encouraged to take immediate action if they see a Spotted Lanternfly:
- Take a clear picture of the pest.
- Kill it.
- Report your sighting using the Georgia Invasive Species Task Force online reporting tool.
The GDA offers lists of licensed pesticide professionals who can assist with applications.
The first confirmed detection of the Spotted Lanternfly was made in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has spread to 17 states, including Tennessee and North Carolina.