Smith County Agriculture News – By Katie Martin, Smith County Extension Agent
If you caught the news last week, you may have heard about the confirmed detection of a Spotted Lanternfly in Davidson County. Spotted Lanternflies are an invasive insect that was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014. Tennessee is the 16th state with confirmed detection of this non-native planthopper. The Spotted Lanternfly can be harmful to a variety of crops and natural resources.
Adults typically are 1-1.5 inches long and have beige or grey front wings with black dots. The hind wings have red, black, and white markings, making them recognizable especially when the front wings are spread.
If you see a Spotted Lanternfly or an egg mass, take photos, then complete the form on Protect Tennessee Forests website at www.tn.gov/content/tn/protecttnforests/resources/report-a-pest.html. Then, ensure you kill the insect and destroy any egg masses by smashing or dousing with rubbing alcohol. It is vital we find and eliminate Spotted Lanternfly before they spread further throughout the state.
For more information on invasive species or any other agriculture topics, please contact the Smith County UT Extension office at 615-735-2900. 
