New Detection Dogs Sniff Out Invasive Pest

GILES COUNTY, Tenn. - The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has welcomed two four-legged recruits to its team, Winnie and Marcel, specially trained detection dogs, who are now on the front lines in the fight against the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF).

These highly trained canines, graduates of the USDA National Detector Dog Training Center in Georgia, are working alongside plant inspectors to sniff out SLF egg masses and larvae in areas where the pest is suspected but not visually confirmed.

SLF is a destructive insect that feeds on a wide variety of crops, including grapes, stone fruits, and hardwoods. It also lays eggs on nearly any surface including vehicles, grills, trailers, firewood, even outdoor toys, making it easy for the pest to spread unnoticed.

Winnie and her handler, Mary Glover, are stationed in Knoxville, while Marcel and inspector Kyle Webb are based near Mt. Juliet, where Tennessee has seen its largest known SLF activity. The duo has already made a confirmed detection in Sumner County.

Residents are urged to stay vigilant. If you see a Spotted Lanternfly or its egg masses, take a photo and report it at ProtectTNForests.org. After reporting, destroy the pest, either by smashing it or using rubbing alcohol on egg masses.

With help from Winnie, Marcel, and Tennessee’s agriculture community, the state hopes to stay ahead of this damaging invader.