Virginia Tech Study Highlights Dogs in Fighting Spotted Lanternflies

Blacksburg, Virginia – Researchers from Virginia Tech have discovered that our canine companions can play a vital role in combating the spread of the invasive spotted lanternfly. This marks the first evidence showing that dogs can effectively assist in halting these pests.

The spotted lanternfly, known for feeding on various plants, releases a sugary substance called honeydew that encourages mold growth. These insects can cause significant damage to crops, prompting some states to initiate awareness campaigns. While finding their eggs is the best way to address the problem, these egg masses can be hard to spot due to their resemblance to dry mud.

This is where dogs come into the picture. Their acute sense of smell is invaluable for locating these eggs.

“Dogs have one primary sense: their nose. We navigate with our eyes, while dogs rely heavily on their noses,” explained Katie Thomas, a participant in the study.

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Thomas, along with her nine-year-old pit bull mix, Finch, participated in the research, using their years of recreational scent training for a practical cause. They underwent various tests, sniffing out egg masses, and Finch even earned recognition when successful.

“It’s fun to incorporate what we already love doing into a cause that impacts our community,” added Thomas.

The spotted lanternfly, originally from Asia, was first identified in Pennsylvania over a decade ago. Since then, it has managed to spread to 19 states, as reported by the USDA.

“Finding egg masses is crucial because once they establish, the infestation can become unmanageable,” stated Carolyn Shelburne, another study participant.

Shelburne and her nine-year-old border collie, Hermes, were among the first pairs to complete the field study. Eventually, 182 volunteer teams nationwide took part.

In controlled indoor tests, the dogs accurately identified the lanternfly scent over 80% of the time, while outdoor tests yielded a success rate of more than 60%. This performance still surpasses many human searches.

Researchers are optimistic that this is just the start for dogs in safeguarding our ecosystems. They suggest that even in regions where spotted lanternflies haven’t yet appeared, training dogs to identify other invasive species could be beneficial.