VA wineries threatened by invasive spotted lanternfly spread

You may have seen spotted lanternflies flying around: little, red, mothlike bugs. One researcher said Virginia wine producers could be affected as the invasive species enters more localities.

The spotted lanternfly was first seen in Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, the insects have been reported in 21 states, including Virginia. While they do feed on the invasive plant called Tree of Heaven, they also decimate grape plants and local wineries.

Doug Pfeiffer, professor of entomology at Virginia Tech, said grape farmers may see the biggest losses within commercial agriculture as the species spreads.

“As they mature, they concentrate their feeding on Tree of Heaven, an invasive tree, and grape vines,” Pfeiffer pointed out. “The damage is most severe on those plants, so by far, grapes are the most vulnerable commercial crop by spotted lanternfly.”

Virginia’s wine industry generates nearly $6.5 billion of economic activity in the Commonwealth each year, according to the National Association of American Wineries. Pfeiffer noted increased pesticide use can help keep the insects at bay but cautioned overusing pesticides is economically and environmentally costly.

Some communities have seen public service campaigns to stomp on the bugs. In the past, researchers and wildlife officials have called on the public to stomp on spotted lanternflies to stop the spread. Pfeiffer explained once the species takes root in an area, people should not expect killing them will meaningfully decrease the population, but in the beginning, it can still be helpful.

“It certainly kills that one,” Pfeiffer acknowledged. “You know, that will really likely be effective only in the very beginning stages of infestation, if you’re getting the real pioneers. Once they’re established in the area, I don’t think you’ll put much of a dent in the population by doing that.”

Officials in the Commonwealth originally had a quarantine in place to attempt to limit the spread of the insect but repealed the quarantine in March of this year.

Related: Virginia Wine: 6 Things You Need to Know If You’re a Newbie