5 things you need to know about the invasive species taking over your backyard garden
- The spotted lanternfly, an invasive species from Asia, is now devastating gardens across 14 US states by sucking sap from over 70 plant species, killing fruit trees and vines
- This invasive species produces a sticky, sugary waste called honeydew that attracts mold, damaging outdoor furniture, sidewalks, and car paint below infested plants
- Experts warn that this invasive species hitchhikes easily on vehicles and plant materials, so checking your car after road trips is critical to slowing its spread
- The lanternfly's egg masses, which look like grayish mud smears, can survive winter and hatch in spring, making fall and winter the best time to scrape them off
- If you spot this invasive species, most states require you to report it immediately, as early detection is the only effective control method since natural predators are scarce