ATLANTA, GA. (Atlanta News First) – Georgians are being warned about an invasive species recently discovered for the first time in the Peach State.

On Thursday, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) said they received confirmation from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that the first detection of the spotted lanternfly was discovered in Fulton County on October 22. Officials say it is the first confirmed detection. Spotted Lanternfly was created in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has expanded to 17 states, including Tennessee and North Carolina.

GDA Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula or SLF) is an invasive plant pest that poses a serious risk to the state’s agriculture. Although it does not pose a direct threat to human health, the GDA says it feeds on a variety of plants, including grapes, hops, stone fruits and hardwood trees. Its nutrition weakens these plants and produces a sticky, sugary liquid that encourages sooty mold growth and further damages crops. While SLF prefers the Tree of Heaven (ailanthus altissima), can significantly affect many other species, according to the ministry.

“We urge anyone who sees a spotted lanternfly in their area to document, report and kill it. Controlling the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly is our best strategy to protect Georgia’s agricultural industry, and we are asking for the public’s help in this effort,” Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said in a statement.

Officials say the SLF lays eggs from September through November, and those eggs survive through the winter months until they hatch in the spring when temperatures warm.

“In fact, adult lanternflies die with the first hard frost, but their eggs remain viable throughout the winter. We expect this phase of their life cycle to occur in the coming weeks,” the Georgia Department of Agriculture said.

Here are photos of the stage of their life cycle.

Experts say those looking for professional treatment options should do their research pesticide contractors or pest control companies.

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