St. Albans, WV (WOAY) An invasive insect that threatens crops and trees has now been confirmed in Kanawha County.
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture says a spotted lanternfly infestation was found in St. Albans, making Kanawha the 22nd county in the state with a confirmed detection.
Officials say the invasive pest feeds on a variety of plants, including grapes, apples, walnuts and hardwood trees, and spreads primarily by hitchhiking on vehicles, trailers and outdoor equipment.
Residents are encouraged to inspect their vehicles after traveling and report any spotted lanternfly sightings in counties without known infestations to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture by sending a photo, your location, and contact information to bugbusters@wvda.us.
