RADIO TRANSCRIPT
June 2, 2025
Matt Rodriguez

This is Matt Rodriguez, horticulture agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke Center.

Today’s program is on the Spotted Lanternfly. These insects are pretty noticeable as adults, but as nymphs not so much. The adults have white spotted wings with red hind wings. Why is it important to keep an eye out for this bug? Because! It can feed on grapes and hops. Basically, they leech nutrients from plants and can cause plants to weaken and be stressed, thus opening up potential for a myriad of diseases. In just three years, these insects can destroy a crop of grapes. How can you help NCDA keep updated on the impending infestation of these lanternflies? You can submit images to the NCDA&CS online submission form to notify the regulatory agency of any potential infestations. If you're unsure of what you might have seen, call us at N.C. Cooperative Extension and I can help you with your insect identification. If I can't identify it, then I can utilize the many resources available from NC State.

This has been Matt Rodriguez, horticulture agent with N.C. Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center. For more information, call us at 828-764-9480.