Missouri Warns: Invasive Bug Spreading in Nearby States

Missouri is already sounding the alarm about an invasive bug that isn't even in the state yet. It's a nasty bug that requires early detection which is why the alarm bells are being sounded even before there's a confirmed sighting in Missouri.

This is the invasive bug that Missouri is already warning about

The bug that Missouri is concerned about is the spotted lanternfly which is a destructive pest for plants, trees and crops. Once they infest an area, they are difficult to get rid of and the Missouri Department of Agriculture issued a warning on their Facebook page about the spotted lanternfly being spotted already in neighboring states. Here's what they warned about:

"While Spotted Lanternfly is not currently in Missouri, it is present in neighboring states. Early detection is key! If you think you've found Spotted Lanternfly take a picture, collect the insect and report your find with photo and location to plantpest@mda.mo.gov".

Where has the spotted lanternfly been spotted recently that has Missouri concerned?

According to the USDA, the spotted lanternfly has been seen in District of Columbia: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. It's obviously the sightings in Illinois and Tennessee that most concern Missouri authorities. That's why the Missouri Department of Agriculture wants you to report this nasty bug if you spot one. The sooner this invasive pest is located, the more likely it will be for authorities to stop the infestation before it gets out of control.