Many spotted lanternfly eggs have hatched around the commonwealth, with 2026 set to have another summer filled with the invasive species. However, a new study from Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has found that dogs could help in the fight against the pest.

Spotted lanternflies have become one of the most well-known invasive species over the past few years. While they may seem harmless, they can cause significant damage to homes and gardens, and present major issues for farmers.

Spotted lanternflies are an invasive species that can impact farmers and homeowners around the country, and it’s important to keep a lookout for the egg masses and take care of them before it’s too late.