Invasive spotted lanternfly discovered in North Carolina for first time: "Heavy infestation"

A population of an invasive fly from Asia has been discovered in North Carolina for the first time, confirming a prediction from agriculture experts that it was only a matter of time before the potentially destructive pest reached the state.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service announced an infestation of the spotted lanternfly in Kernersville, just east of Winston-Salem. According to a news release from N.C. State University, the infestation covers a 5-mile radius.

"A heavy infestation of insects were found in a few locations, signifying it as being an established presence and not a single-insect occurrence," the department said in a news release.