If You Ever Spot This Insect, Get Rid of It Immediately!

I’ve never been a big fan of bugs. In fact, I think a lot of us can agree that while some insects are beautiful and fascinating, others can creep you out. And then there are those that are downright harmful—not just to us, but to our plants, crops, and sometimes even animals. Most of the time, when I see a bug, I just let it go. I’m not in the business of harming any living creature without a good reason. However, when it comes to the lanternfly, or Lycorma delicatula, the scenario changes drastically.

The lanternfly is an insect you might want to get rid of immediately if you spot it. And believe me, I’ve had my own run-ins with these pests in my backyard. There they were, clustered on my favorite maple tree, looking almost beautiful with their distinctive and colorful wings. But don’t let their appearance fool you—these insects are destructive.

What is a Lanternfly?
The lanternfly, despite its charming name, is a significant pest. It originated in China and was first spotted in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, it has been spreading across various states, leaving a trail of agricultural and ecological damage. The thing about the lanternfly is that it’s not just a problem for commercial farmers; it affects backyard gardeners like myself just as severely.

The Damage They Cause
Lanternflies feed on the sap of a wide range of plants and trees. This feeding process not only weakens the plant but can also lead to the growth of sooty mold due to the sticky, sweet substance called honeydew that they excrete. This mold further harms the plant by inhibiting photosynthesis, effectively choking the life out of it. In my case, I noticed the once vibrant leaves of my maple turning dull and blackened as the mold spread.

Appearance of the Lanternfly
Identifying a lanternfly is key to controlling its spread. Adults are about an inch long and half an inch wide. They have a striking appearance with wings that are gray with black spots at the front and a blend of red and black sections hidden beneath. When they fly, the bright red underwings create a vivid flash of color that is quite eye-catching. Juveniles, known as nymphs, are black with white spots and turn red before reaching maturity.

Feeding Process
The lanternfly uses a long, needle-like mouthpart to pierce the plant and access the sap. This feeding style is particularly harmful because it allows the insect to tap directly into the plant’s nutrient channels, sapping its life energy away efficiently. Observing them at work on my plants was both fascinating and horrifying.

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MY NEIGHBOR BURIED MY POND WHILE I WAS AWAY 😡💧 Some people reveal who they truly are when you least expect it. For me, it happened when my neighbor filled in my cherished pond while I was out of town, not realizing the storm he was about to face. I may be a quiet older woman, but I had a plan that turned his world upside down. At 74, I’ve seen my share of neighborhood drama, but nothing like what happened in my own backyard. I’m Agnes, and I’ve lived in my cozy little home for twenty years. It’s where I raised my three kids and now enjoy weekends with my six grandkids. The highlight of our yard has always been the pond my great-grandpa built. It’s been the heart of our family for generations. My grandkids love it—sometimes I think they like that pond more than my cookies! 🍪 Everything was peaceful until Derek moved in next door five years ago. From day one, he had a problem with my pond. “Agnes,” he’d yell, “those frogs are driving me crazy at night!” I’d just laugh and say, “They’re singing you to sleep, Derek. Free lullabies!” He’d complain about bugs, too. I told him, “Maybe it’s that cluttered mess in your yard, not my clean pond.” He’d stomp away, and I figured he’d get over it. I was wrong. I went to visit my cousin for a few days, looking forward to laughter and card games. But when I came home, something felt off. The sparkle of water in the yard was gone. In its place? Dirt. My heart sank. Mrs. Carter from across the street rushed over. “Agnes, I tried to stop them! They said they were hired to fill the pond. I told them you weren’t home, but they had papers and everything!” I stared at the muddy patch where my beloved pond used to be. I didn’t need to guess who was behind it. “Derek,” I whispered, fists clenched. “What will you do?” Mrs. Carter asked, worried. I stood up straight. “Oh, he’s about to learn why you don’t mess with Agnes.” I called my daughter Clara. She was furious. “We need to call the police!” “Not yet,” I said. “We need proof.” That’s when my granddaughter Sophie remembered something. “Grandma! The bird camera in the maple tree!” We checked it. And there he was—Derek, clear as day, bossing a crew around, smirking like he got away with something. “Oh, I’ve got you now,” I said with a grin. Derek thought I’d just let it go. But he didn’t count on me calling the local environmental office. “Hello,” I said sweetly. “I’d like to report the illegal destruction of a protected pond.” They sounded confused at first. “Protected habitat, ma’am?” “Yes,” I replied. “That pond was registered. It had rare fish. Someone filled it in while I was away.” Turns out, the environment folks take that very seriously. A few days later, they knocked on Derek’s door. “Mr. Larson, you’re being fined for destroying a protected habitat. We have evidence.” Derek looked stunned. “Fifty thousand dollars? Are you kidding? It was just a pond!” “That ‘pond’ was registered and protected, sir.” I watched from my porch, trying not to giggle. But I wasn’t done yet. Next, I called my grandson Lucas—a sharp lawyer in the city. 👉 (continue reading in the first comment)

Some people show their true selves when you least expect it. For me, it came when my neighbor filled in my cherished pond while I was away,…