By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Pew PatriotsPew PatriotsPew Patriots
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Reading: Virginia Tech study shows dogs can detect invasive lanternfly
Share
Font ResizerAa
Pew PatriotsPew Patriots
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Search
  • Home
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
Virginia Tech study shows dogs can detect invasive lanternfly
News

Virginia Tech study shows dogs can detect invasive lanternfly

Jimmie Dempsey
Last updated: August 14, 2025 3:20 am
Jimmie Dempsey Published August 14, 2025
Share
SHARE

BLACKSBURG, Virgina – Researchers at Virginia Tech say man’s best friend may also be one of nature’s best defenses against an invasive pest. For the first time, a study shows that pet dogs could help stop the rapid spread of the spotted lanternfly.

Spotted lanternflies feed on different plants and excrete a sugary substance called honeydew, which promotes mold growth. They are considered so destructive that some states have launched campaigns urging residents to stomp them on sight. Experts say the real solution is to wipe out their egg masses, but those can be hard to find because they often resemble dried mud and can blend in with their surroundings. 

That’s where the dogs can come in to help with their strong sense of smell. 

“Dogs have one dominant sense. It’s their nose. We use our eyes. Dogs use their nose like their eyes,” said study participant, Katie Thomas. 

INVASIVE PESTS COULD STAGE DRAMATIC COMEBACK THIS SUMMER, EXPERTS WARN

Thomas and her nine-year-old pitbull mix, Finch, participated in the study, hoping to put their years of recreational scent work to good use. They went through indoor and outdoor tests, sniffing out egg masses, and receiving an award when Finch was right on the money. 

SPOTTED LANTERNFLY: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE INVASIVE INSECT

“To be able to do things that we already do, that we are having a lot of fun with… Train our dogs to sniff stuff, being able to apply that to something like a real problem that affects our community is really fulfilling,” said Thomas. 

The spotted lanternfly is native to Asia and was first detected in the United States in Pennsylvania over ten years ago. Since then, it has spread to 19 states, according to the USDA. 

The spotted lanternfly is impacting agriculture mostly in the Midwest and Northeast

“They are everywhere, and we need to search out the eggs. The problem is it’s too late once we have the lanternfly,” said study participant, Carolyn Shelburne. 

CALIFORNIA WINEGROWERS ON EDGE OVER PEST THAT COULD ‘DEVASTATE’ LUCRATIVE INDUSTRY

Dog searching for target scent

Carolyn and her 9-year-old border collie, Hermes, was one of the first five K9 and handler teams to pass their field tests. Ultimately, 182 volunteer teams across the U.S. took part in the study.

For indoor tests, dogs identified the lanternfly scent correctly more than 80% of the time. For more real-world outdoor tests, dogs identified the scent correctly more than 60% of the time. That’s still better than most human searches. 

“Hopefully, more people will see that you can train any dog to do this, and it gives you something fun to do with your dog,” said Shelburne.

Researchers are hoping this is just the beginning for dogs to protect local environments. Even in areas where spotted laternflies aren’t a problem, dogs could be trained to sniff out other invasive species.

Read the full article here

You Might Also Like

Girl athletes express fear over school district switching sports conferences to accommodate trans athletes

Los Angeles City Hall evacuated after car travels into steps, sidewalk in front of building; driver in custody

Micah Parsons issues 4-word response as contract drama with Cowboys continues

Morrissey cancels weekend shows after receiving ‘credible threat’ on his life during world tour

Jeffrey Epstein saga continues as Congress returns from recess

Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We Recommend
George Santos vows not to ‘disappoint’ Trump after surprise release, says he found God in prison
News

George Santos vows not to ‘disappoint’ Trump after surprise release, says he found God in prison

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey October 19, 2025
Kim Kardashian covers entire face with ‘strange’ nude mask at Academy Museum Gala, sparks online mystery
Bible-based diet could unlock the secret to lasting wellness, experts say
Danielle Fishel says she was almost fired at 12 years old after her first day of ‘Boy Meets World’
First Look: Mission First Tactical Guardian Duty Holster
Big Green Is Back: The Story Behind Remington Ammo
College football star sets NCAA record with 522 rushing yards
News

College football star sets NCAA record with 522 rushing yards

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey October 19, 2025
UNBELIEVABLE Pistol Accuracy with ONE Simple Adjustment
TacticalVideos

UNBELIEVABLE Pistol Accuracy with ONE Simple Adjustment

Line45 Line45 October 19, 2025
Five possible futures for Middle East from renaissance to rockets
News

Five possible futures for Middle East from renaissance to rockets

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey October 19, 2025
Pew Patriots
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
  • Guns and Gear
2024 © Pew Patriots. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?