(Blacksburg, VA) -- It's that time again... the spotted lanternflies are back.Preview: Voicer Script:
There are things you can do to help control the spread of the pests according to Virginia Tech entomologist Eric Day. He says April is when they hatch, so if you see egg masses and even as they start to emerge, go ahead and stomp on them to kill them. The bugs aren't necessarily dangerous to a homeowner, but they are a nuisance. For the agriculture, forestry and logging industry the bugs can threaten trees like pines, walnuts, maples, oaks and the invasive tree of heaven. It can also wreck havoc on crops like grapes, peaches and hops. Day says it's also important to check your vehicles before driving so you don't transport the lanternflies to other locations.