Chattooga County Extension is asking residents to be on the lookout for the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect that can cause serious damage to trees, crops, and ornamental plants.

UGA Extension says mature spotted lanternflies will soon be active in Georgia. The insect is native to Asia and was first found in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, it has spread to several states and is considered a growing threat to agriculture and the environment.

Spotted lanternflies feed on the sap of more than 70 types of plants, including grapevines, fruit trees, maples, walnuts, willows, hops, and other ornamental plants. Large infestations can weaken plants, reduce crop production, and leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew, which can lead to mold growth.

Adults are about one inch long and have gray wings with black spots. When their wings open, bright red coloring can often be seen underneath. Younger lanternflies are black with white spots, later developing red patches as they mature.

Officials say the insect is not a strong flyer, but it can spread quickly when egg masses are carried on vehicles, trailers, firewood, outdoor furniture, equipment, and other surfaces.

Anyone who sees a spotted lanternfly is urged to take a photo, kill the insect, and report the sighting through the University of Georgia reporting system at warnell.cc/ReportSLF.

Extension officials say early detection is one of the best ways to help slow the spread of this invasive pest.