RALEIGH – The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has confirmed an established presence of the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in Caldwell County. Initial surveys indicate that the distribution of the pest is concentrated in Lenoir within a 1-mile area. Survey efforts are ongoing.
“NCDA&CS has surveyed for spotted lanternfly throughout North Carolina since 2015, and this is the first time a breeding population has been found in the mountains,” said Dr. Bill Foote, director of the Plant Industry Division. “Members of our Plant Industry Division are moving quickly to prevent the spread of this brightly colored pest, and we ask members of the public to be on the lookout for more spotted lanternfly and report any finds.
Caldwell County is now the fourth county with an established spotted lanternfly population in the state, and the first outside of the Triad area. This spring, Rockingham County was added to the list of North Carolina counties where the pest has been identified. Spotted lanternfly populations were identified in Forsyth and Guilford counties in 2022, the first time they were found in the state.
“Spotted lanternfly poses a serious threat to the state’s wine and grape industries and can feed and cause damage on over 100 species of plants including fruit trees, maples, and other common plants. They lack effective natural enemies in the U.S. and populations of this pest grow quickly, often becoming a nuisance.” Foote said.