Spotted lanternflies are inching closer to Georgia crops. Here’s how experts say you can help.

By: Ellie Fivas

Outlets: Georgia Recorder

Published: July 7, 2026

Words: 511

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 1 day ago

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These invasive insects may not be a familiar sight yet, but researchers predict the spotted lanternfly population in Georgia will continue to increase in the coming years, which could spell trouble for the state’s fruit crops.

Elizabeth McCarty, an associate professor at the University of Georgia who studies invasive insects, said the spotted lanternflies thrive while feeding on trees of heaven, a fast-growing and highly invasive tree in Georgia. She emphasized the importance of …

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