Spotted lanternflies are littering sidewalks, falling from trees and hitchhiking on cars in 14 states across the eastern region of the US and although they seem harmless, the invasive insect from is costing Americans hundreds of millions of dollars a year in economic damages and treatments to eradicate the pests.The multi-colored bug, with spots on its back, is known to devour more than 70 types of fruits, trees and plants, leaving behind inch-long, putty-like egg masses and a sticky 'honeydew' resin often covered in toxic black mold that slowly weakens vegetation. was the first to detect a spotted lanternfly in 2014 and just five years later, the one-inch insect was found to cost the state $50.1 million annually - but a study warns it could soon reach $324 million.
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