Why are spotted lanternflies a problem? What to know about the invasive red bugs

Get ready to see more of the invasive lanternfly in coming days and get ready to take action.

In August into September, lanternflies reach full adulthood with their striking spotted wings and black and red coloring. And the Department of Agriculture recommends that if you see one, squish it. Invasive spotted lanternflies are damaging plants and trees in several parts of the Northeast.

And the insects continue to spread through Northeast and Midwestern states. The New York State Integrated Pest Management Program at Cornell University in Ithaca says the spotted lanternfly, a plant-hopping bug that can fly , may have arrived the U.S. on a stone shipment from China in 2012 .

Northeast states are being invaded by spotted lanternflies

In Pennsylvania, 51 of the state's 67 counties are in a quarantine zone. That designation requires many transportation-based businesses to obtain a special permit that requires their employees train to spot the insects so they don't inadvertently transport them elsewhere.

Vehicles carrying materials or products contaminated with egg masses and adult insects can transfer spotted lanternflies across long distances.

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Life cycle of the spotted lanternfly

Spotted lanternflies will molt from their nymph phase in July to September. Heading into September, they will begin to lay their eggs – which can be found on any outdoor surface, such as trees, stones, outdoor furniture and cars – until the first killing freeze, usually in November.

Adult wing tips feature black specks defined in gray, and their forewing is gray with black spots of various sizes. Their hind wings feature red and black contrasting patches with a white rings. Their abdomen is yellow with black bands, and the head and legs are black.

These insects are very colorful – almost pretty–  but they are dangerous to plants. They live mostly in trees and are closely linked to the cicada family.

Why are spotted lanternflies considered so invasive?

Spotted lanternflies are considered invasive because they can spread quickly and cause significant damage to plants. Because they don't have any natural predators and are frequently carried to new areas by people without their knowledge, they are able to spread quickly.

The lanternflies eat a variety of fruit, ornamental and woody trees, such as black walnut, tree-of-heaven, grape, red maple, silver maple, weeping willow and black willow. A number of American businesses – such as wine production, fruit trees, ornamentals and lumber – may face severe economic risks as the result.

If you spot a lanternfly – squish it

Experts recommend you kill the insects when you see them, then report them to your state's Department of Agriculture. The sooner authorities know about an infestation, the more likely it can be controlled.

Size comparison of the spotted lanternfly:

There are various ways to kill them, including building a trap, as shown by Pennsylvania state officials in an online video . For information on approved insecticides and how to scrape egg masses, visit the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program site.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Agriculture, New York State Integrated Pest Management Program at Cornell University and USA TODAY research

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why are spotted lanternflies a problem? What to know about the invasive red bugs