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Bad Bug Alert

LAUREN A. LITTLE—MEDIANEWS GROUP/READING EAGLE—GETTY IMAGES

The spotted lanternfly might look pretty. But the insect is causing big problems. Experts in the United States are saying we need to do away with the bug. “Kill it! Squash it, smash it . . . just get rid of it.” That’s what the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture says to do if you see one.

The spotted lanternfly is like a moth. It is native to Asia. It is harmful to plants in the U.S. The bugs were found in Pennsylvania in 2014. Now, they have spread to at least nine states.

Spotted lanternflies are not dangerous to people. But they hurt plants. They suck sap from trees. They release a sticky substance after they feed. This causes mold to grow on plants.