The West Virginia Department of Agriculture says a spotted lanternfly infestation has been confirmed in St. Albans, making Kanawha the 22nd county with a detection. “Officials say the invasive pest feeds on grapes, apples, walnuts and hardwood trees, and spreads mainly by hitchhiking on vehicles,” the document says.
Residents are urged to check outdoor items before traveling and report sightings to help protect crops and forests.
