KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is warning the public about the dangers of the spotted lanternflies and urges people to destroy their eggs.
UTIA said spotted lanternflies are invasive and have been detected in a few Tennessee counties. Experts said residents can help stop the spread by looking for and destroying egg masses before they hatch around the end of March.
The spotted lanternfly feeds on more than 70 plant species, including grapes and fruit trees. It damages plants by feeding on their sap and excreting a sticky substance called honeydew, which can lead to mold growth…