Invasive Species Cost You At Home: Why Your Grocery Bill Could Jump 20 Percent This Summer
The spotted lanternfly, a destructive invasive species, has exploded across the eastern U.S. this year, and agricultural experts are warning that the cost of your favorite summer fruits—like apples, peaches, and grapes—could skyrocket by 20 percent or more. Farmers are already reporting crop losses of up to 30 percent in affected regions because these bugs suck the sap out of vines and fruit trees, leaving them weak and unproductive. If you’re a consumer, that means your local grocery store will pass those higher production costs directly to you. The worst part? Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance won’t cover a lost harvest; you’re on the hook for every dollar. To protect your wallet, start buying local, in-season produce now before prices spike even further this summer, and check your own yard for any signs of these pests to prevent an infestation that could damage your trees and raise your own costs.