Current:Home > ContactThe government says to destroy these invasive, fuzzy mud-looking masses. Here's why. -ChatGPT
The government says to destroy these invasive, fuzzy mud-looking masses. Here's why.
View
Date:2025-04-28 13:54:47
The Department of Agriculture is seeking the public's help to destroy an invasive species that looks like spongy mud and is growing outdoors. With spring's official arrival, the agency says "smashing and scraping" will be an essential tool in keeping problems at bay.
So, what exactly are we on a quest to destroy? Eggs – huge masses of them that look like mud.
In a notice sent out earlier this month, the USDA said that the eggs belong to two invasive species, the spotted lanternfly and spongy moth. Their eggs are laid in masses on cars, trees and other outdoor surfaces, the agency said, recommending that people smash and scrape the masses into a plastic bag that's then sealed and disposed of in the trash. They can also be removed with a pressure washer.
"The spotted lanternfly and spongy moth are economically and environmentally destructive invasive insects," according to the USDA. "Together, they attack or defoliate hundreds of tree and plant species."
The two species contribute to $40 billion in damages every year across crops, trees and other plants, said Kathryn Bronsky, national policy manager for the spongy moth at the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Spotted lanternflies and spongy moth eggs are "able hitchhikers" that often go unnoticed on modes of transportation, the USDA added. With lanternflies already existing in 17 states and spongy moths in 20, the agency stressed the importance of keeping an eye out for their offspring.
What do spotted lanternfly and spongy moth eggs look like?
The USDA says that spotted lanternfly egg masses are "flat" and "mud-like," and can have between 30 and 50 eggs. Masses belonging to spongy moths are "fuzzy, spongy and cream or brown-colored" and each one "can hatch up to a thousand tiny caterpillars with a ravenous appetite for leaves," according to the agency, and moth masses also often have a "hair-like covering" that the females lay on top to help protect the eggs.
How to get rid of lanternfly and spongy moth eggs
The USDA encourages a "smash and scrape" method for both invasive species, which can be done in the late fall, winter and early spring. Those who live in quarantine areas for either of the insects will have specific guidance posted by the state's department of agriculture. Others should check all outdoor belongings, especially if they are planning on moving items, including vehicles.
- In:
- Spotted Lanternfly
- Agriculture
- Insects
- United States Department of Agriculture
Li Cohen is a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News.
veryGood! (3914)
Related
- Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
- TikTok is full of budgeting and other financial tips. Can they boost your financial IQ?
- Beyoncé hasn't won Grammys album of the year. Who was the last Black woman to hold the prize?
- Nikki Haley makes surprise appearance at Saturday Night Live town hall
- As Trump Enters Office, a Ripe Oil and Gas Target Appears: An Alabama National Forest
- Trevor Noah defends Taylor Swift in Grammys opening monologue: 'It is so unfair'
- North Carolina, Gonzaga headline winners and losers from men's college basketball weekend
- DWTS' Peta Murgatroyd and Maks Chmerkovskiy Expecting Baby 7 Months After Welcoming Son Rio
- Woman dies after Singapore family of 3 gets into accident in Taiwan
- Boy, 13, fatally shot man on Denver bus after his leg blocked aisle, police say
Ranking
- Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
- Céline Dion's Rare Outing With Son René-Charles at 2024 Grammys Put the Power of Love on Display
- How Las Vegas evolved from Sin City to Super Bowl host
- Streaming services can cost a pretty penny: Here are 7 ways to cut down on your bill
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Killer Mike taken in handcuffs after winning 3 Grammys. Here's why the rapper was arrested.
- Stevie Wonder pays tribute to Tony Bennett at Grammys: 'I'm going to miss you forever'
- United Football League reveals 2024 schedule with 10 game regular season slate
Recommendation
House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
Senators release a $118 billion package that pairs border policies with aid for Ukraine and Israel
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema rebukes election question that makes Americans really hate politics
Apple Vision Pro makes triumphant appearance courtside on Celtics fan's face
North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
Pennsylvania governor to deliver budget while seeking money for higher education and public transit
Report: Ohio State offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien likely to become Boston College coach
CNN changes morning show lineup again, adds extra Kasie Hunt hour