An “invasive” pest has made its way into the Peach State, and Georgia officials are asking the public to send it packing.
Despite its “visually striking wings,” the Spotted Lanternfly can pose “a serious risk” to trees and plants, the Georgia Department of Agriculture said in a Nov. 14 news release.
The insect was spotted in Fulton County back in October, marking the first confirmed detection in the state, officials said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the detection on Nov. 14.
“We urge anyone who sees the Spotted Lanternfly in their area to document it, report it, and kill it,” Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said in the release.
Though they’re not harmful to people, lanternflies ooze a sticky residue called “honeydew” when they feed on plants, according to the department. The honeydew attracts other insects and promotes mold growth, causing further harm to trees and other plants.
Their diet includes hops, stone fruits and hardwood trees, officials said.
A known “planthopper,” the Spotted Lanternfly was first reported in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since spread to 17 states including North Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee, according to officials.