Invasive spotted lanternflies return to Arizona, 15 other states [Video]

PHOENIX (CNN/AZFamily) – The damage-causing spotted lanternflies have returned to more than a dozen states, including Arizona.

According to the Invasive Species Centre in Canada, the spotted lanternflies are native to southeastern Asia and are considered an invasive insect pest in the United States. The insects are known to feed on a wide range of plants, including grapes, hops, stone fruits, and hardwood trees.

The United States Department of Agriculture says that when the lanternfly feeds, it excretes a fluid that causes mold, which can damage plants.

As of April 11, the insects and their egg masses have been found in:

• Arizona
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Virginia
• West Virginia

Officials in these states advise residents to look for and destroy lantern eggs before they hatch. Scraping and smashing them is easy and requires no tools.

The egg masses can be found on a variety of …