Officials Urge Public to Stay Alert and Report Sightings
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina has confirmed its first sightings of the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), a destructive pest that threatens grapes, hops, stone fruits, and hardwood trees. Clemson University’s Department of Plant Industry (DPI) recently detected the insect in Greenville and Seneca.
Originally from Asia, the spotted lanternfly has now spread to more than 18 states, including neighboring North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. While it poses no threat to people or pets, the insect could deal serious damage to South Carolina’s agriculture and forestry industries…