“Kill it, crush it”: The vengeful hummingbird this spring.insect

Experts warn Americans of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species known to wreak havoc on plant life and agriculture, although harmless to humans. We urge you to pay attention to

Experts believe the spotted lantern fly entered the United States in a shipping crate. Native to China and since first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014, Spread in at least 14 states.

Adults are about 1 inch long and have black spots on their wings. The hind legs are spotted red and black with white bands, and the abdomen is yellow with black bands.

Spotted lantern flies do not fly long distances.Instead, they lay muddy clumps of eggs on tree bark, decks, playground equipment, lawn mowers, grills, bicycles and other means of transport, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Said.

Each lantern fly can lay 30 to 50 eggs, according to wildlife officials, and can seriously affect the vineyard, orchard and logging industries.

The lack of indigenous predators makes the species highly invasive and authorities have long urged Americans “kill, crush, crush and just take away”.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture now warns travelers to check vehicles, trailers, and even clothing frequently to avoid transferring insects from one area to another.

of new yorkexperts warn that residents may expect to see spotted lantern flies sooner as a result of an unusually warm spring.

“The temperate climate New York State faces, [spotted lanternflies] It could hatch early this year, next month, or sooner in New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley,” said Chris Roeg, director of the plant industry for the New York State Department of Agricultural Markets. said to Said NBC New York.

One way experts advise residents to remove egg masses is by scraping them off a hard surface.

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“We ask residents to look for speckled clusters of lanternfly eggs and scrape them with a credit card or a sharp object,” says Jeff Wolfe. new jersey A Department of Agriculture spokeswoman told NBC New York.

“They have to press the egg mass somewhat hard and hear the egg pop when you press it to know that the egg is effective.”

Insects feed on over 70 types of plants. Plant types at risk include apples, apricots, peaches, maples, oaks, walnuts, cherry trees and vines.

Signs of the presence of spotted lantern flies include bleeding and a fermented odor, as well as the accumulation of a sticky liquid known as honeydew on plants and ground. Said Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.