States are begging Americans to kill spotted lanternflies as scientists struggle to keep the pests from spreading

A spotted lanternfly at a vineyard in Kutztown, Pennsylvania.
Matt Rourke/AP
Spotted lanternflies, which resemble polka-dotted moths, are spreading across the eastern US.
Experts are telling people to kill the insects, as lanternflies are a destructive invasive species.
Americans have spotted the pests, which first arrived from Asia in 2014, in seven states so far.
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Don't be fooled by its colorful palette. The spotted lanternfly may merit a photo or t