Tennessee
New sightings of spotted lanternflies reported in Tennessee. What to do besides killing them
Spotted lanternflies invasion
Spotted lanternflies are taking over. Here’s what you can do when you spot the invasive red bugs.
The Tennessee Division of Natural Areas asks residents to report any sightings of an invasive insect species.
The spotted lanternfly, an invasive species native to China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam, has been seen in Tennessee this spring. The Tennessee Division of Natural Areas shared that it recently received another report of the spotted lanternfly from the Tennessee Division of Forestry. The first sighting of a spotted lanternfly in Tennessee was in Davidson County in 2023, with other sightings reported in Wilson County later.
Once established, this species is known to spread rapidly through new areas. The long-distance spread of the spotted lanternfly comes through people who move infested material or items containing egg masses. As of January 2025, Tennessee is reported to be one of 18 states ever to report insect sightings.
Here’s what to know about the spotted lanternfly in Tennessee.
What’s the problem with the spotted lanternfly?
The spotted lanternfly is an invasive plant hopper first detected in 2014. It is a sapsucking insect that feeds on water and nutrients in plants. The spotted lanternfly gathers in large numbers on host plants and flat surfaces.
Adult spotted lanternflies are prominent in late summer and early fall. They are about one inch long and half an inch wide with spotted and red wings. Spotted lanternflies gather in large numbers on plants, feeding on nutrients and water.
Why are spotted lanternflies bad?
It is a plant stressor, making it more susceptible to other insects and diseases. The spotted lanternfly also produces honeydew as it feeds. The honeydew can coat areas underneath infested plants, causing mold to grow.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture says they can spread long distances when people and vehicles move infested material or items containing egg masses.
What attracts spotted lanternflies? The tree of heaven and more
The spotted lanternfly primarily favors the tree of heaven, an invasive tree species in the United States. The tree is prevalent across the state, according to a map tracking invasive species from the University of Georgia.
They can also attack grape vines and fruit trees. Spotted lanternflies will also infest maple, poplar, and walnut trees.
“This pest is known to attack more than 70 species of plants, including several important agricultural crops and a variety of other fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, and vines,” the Tennessee Division of Natural Areas said. “This insect also feeds on maple, walnut, and poplar.”
Spotted lanternfly eggs hatch in the spring and early summer from April through October. Early instar nymphs are black with white spots; fourth instar nymphs are red with black and white spots.
Adult spotted lanternflies, usually seen between July and November, are about one inch long and one-half inch wide. The tan forewings have black spots, while their signature colorful hindwings have lower red and upper black patches, separated by a white section. The red hindwings are mostly hidden unless the wings are spread.
What to do if you find a spotted lanternfly?
According to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, people who see the fly or an egg mass should take photos, fill out a pest identification form, destroy the insect or egg masses by stomping on them or dousing them with rubbing alcohol, and check vehicles, boats and campers to make sure there are no insects or eggs there.
The Tennessee Volunteers are looking to land many of the nation’s best players in the transfer portal to replace the players who have already announced they are transferring away from Tennessee. One of the players they lost very early on to the portal, and his plans of entering the portal is Boo Carter.
Carter is someone who has quickly made a name for himself, as he played for the Vols as a freshman. He also played for the Tennessee Vols this past season before suffering an injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season. Carter entered the portal and left an announcement on his X page for those interested. Here is what was said.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank The University of Tennessee Coaches, administrators and fans for a wonderful 2 years. Unfortunately my season has been cut short due to injury. I have decided to enter the transfer portal and I am excited about the opportunities going forward!-Boo Carter”
Boo Carter Visits Vanderbilt
Now that the portal is here, he has started to hear from many teams, including a team many anticipated to be in the picture. The Vols DB heard from the Vanderbilt staff and is now reportedly visiting them. This is a school where many of his friends go currently, and a school that has been doing well, but it is no secret that this is one of the Vols’ biggest rivalries.
He is undecided on a possible commitment somewhere, but the reports have started to indicate that the Commodores are a team to watch moving forward. This will be one to watch for the Vols, as there is a good chance they may see Carter next season.
“Dynamic athlete who quickly made an impact on defense and special teams as a true freshman … Earned the starting STAR position and shined while becoming a dangerous weapon as a punt returner as a true freshman in 2024 … Saw action as a slot receiver as well during 2025 spring practices … Early enrollee in January 2024 who participated in Citrus Bowl practices and spring practice before his true freshman season … Has compiled 63 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles, three pass breakups and one interception on defense in his career … Dynamic punt returner who averages 16.0 yards per return in his career … Played in 21 career games and made five starts,” the Tennessee Vols athletics website stated.
More Vols News
The Tennessee Volunteers have been looking to land the best of the best when it comes to the transfer portal, and they have been targeting the best, but as of recently, all it has been is a bunch of swings and misses.
The Vols have missed yet again, as they have failed to land one of their top targets on their board when it comes to the college football transfer portal at a position that they currently need more than any. That position is the cornerback position, which is one that they need very badly.
The player that they failed to land in this go-around is Troy cornerback Jaquez White. White is one of the better players that the portal has seen at the position, as he was easily named as a top portal target for many. He was seriously looking at Tennessee, and the Vols were ready to bring him in, but instead, he has opted to commit to the Virginia Tech Hokies. The Hokies have done a decent job in the portal thus far, but their portal class has definitely improved following the addition of White.
Whether this is a money thing or the Vols just couldn’t do enough convincing, the point is that they have missed on guys left and right recently. The vision isn’t clear, but fans are hopeful that it will be soon.
Here is what White did in his 2025 season according to the Troy website.
Jaquez White’s 2025 Season
“Earned All-Sun Belt Second Team honors … Ranked third in the league (seventh nationally) with 14 total passes defended and fourth (15th nationally) with 11 pass break ups … Started 12 games and played in all 14 contests … Returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown in Troy’s victory over Louisiana; added interceptions against Nicholls and in Sun Belt Championship Game at James Madison … Finished season with 67 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack … Sack came in Troy’s win over South Alabama; added five tackles, a quarterback hurry and a pass break up in the game … Season-best seven tackles against Memphis … Broke up four passes in win at ULM and had a pair at Southern Miss … Troy’s top-rated defender per PFF with an 87.6 rating … Played 879 defensive snaps, second most on the team … Third-rated cornerback in the country (min. 700 snaps) per PFF and fourth-rated cover corner … Held opponents to a 54.5 reception percentage (36-of-66).”
More Vols News
Tennessee defensive lineman Josh Schell has entered the transfer portal, he announced on social media on Jan. 6.
Schell had a short stint at Tennessee after transferring from Grand Valley State in April. He played all 13 games and made one tackle in the 2025 season.
Schell played more than 100 snaps, mostly on special teams. He never cracked the rotation on the defensive line.
Schell spent three seasons at Grand Valley State, including a redshirt year, and one season at Tennessee. He has one season of eligibility remaining.
The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder is from Camden, New Jersey. His best college season was 2024 at Grand Valley State, when he played 13 games and recorded 35 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, six pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
He was also a pitcher on the Grand Valley State baseball game in the 2023 season.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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