Spotted Lanternfly Confirmed in North Carolina

KERNERSVILLE, N.C. - On June 29, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service (NCDA&CS) announced an infested area in Kernersville, a suburb of Winston-Salem in Forsyth County. Initial surveys indicate the infestation covers a 5-mile-radius area, indicating it’s likely been there for a couple of years before it was reported.

The NCDA&CS continue to survey to determine the extent of the infestation and are already starting treatments to reduce populations.

The spotted lanternfly (SLF; Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive insect native to Asia. First detected in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014, it has since been detected in 9 additional states. In late 2021, an infestation popped up very near to the NC-VA state line, prompting concern that its invasion into NC was imminent.