Tennessee Farmers Brace for Spotted Lanternfly Surge as Spring Hatch Begins

Image: Locust and agricultural pest impact — source: newsaf.cgtn.com

Grape growers in Grainger County are preparing for the new season, but many say the work is becoming increasingly difficult as invasive pests spread across Tennessee. Chuck Belt, a local vineyard owner, already battles Japanese beetles and June bugs—but now he may be facing a far more destructive threat: the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect capable of damaging more than 70 plant species, including grapes, apples, and hops.

How the Lanternfly Damages Crops

The spotted lanternfly feeds by piercing plant tissue with a needle‑like mouthpart and sucking out sap, weakening vines and reducing yields. The insect also excretes a sugary residue called honeydew, which promotes mold growth and further harms crops.

The pest was first detected in Tennessee in 2023, with confirmed infestations now in multiple counties, including Davidson, Wilson, Sumner, Hamilton, Jefferson, and Sullivan, according to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

Experts Say the Best Defense Is Destroying Eggs

University of Tennessee entomologist Midhula Gireesh says the most effective way to slow the spread is to destroy egg masses before they hatch in early spring.

Residents can scrape the eggs—often found on trees, rocks, lumber, vehicles, and other smooth surfaces—using an old credit card and drop them into a container filled with water and soap. Each egg mass can contain up to 60 nymphs, making early intervention critical.

Gireesh emphasizes that public participation is essential:

“Everyone can help stop the spread by finding and destroying egg masses before they hatch.”

Eggs typically begin hatching around late March, making the current weeks crucial for prevention efforts.

A Growing Threat to Tennessee Agriculture

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture warns that the lanternfly’s rapid spread could threaten vineyards, orchards, and ecosystems statewide. The insect has already been detected in several counties, and experts say the public plays a vital role in slowing its advance.

For farmers like Belt, the concern is immediate. With spring approaching and eggs beginning to hatch, the next few weeks could determine how severely crops are affected this season.

What Residents Should Watch For

• Mud‑like gray or tan egg masses on trees, vehicles, or outdoor surfaces

• Black or red nymphs appearing in late spring

• Adult lanternflies with distinctive spotted wings in summer and fall

State officials urge Tennesseans to report sightings through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture website and destroy egg masses whenever possible.