SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — California's wine industry could be at risk. Eggs of an invasive insect called the spotted lanternfly have been found in the state and could have devastating impacts on local vineyards. It has wineries across San Diego County on the lookout.
"If the lanternfly did come into the area it would devastating effects upon the growers. I mean throughout the state especially since they don't have tools to deal with it," said Ed Embly, co-owner of Hungry Hawk Vineyard and Winery.
He and his wife own the winery together. They say they're on the lookout for the invasive lanternfly. It's originally from Asia. For years its been found along the East Coast. Recently spotted lanternfly eggs were found on an art installation headed to California's wine country.
"The worst damage is really caused when the grapes are ripe," he said.
Grapes are harvested from July through October. Most effective insecticides can't be sprayed within a month of harvest. The red and black spotted bugs feed on a variety of plants but love grape vines. California's grape industry produces more than 80 percent of wine in the U.S. These bugs could decimate wine crops and drive up wine prices.
"It will be an issue once it does show up in our area," he said.
State officials are asking you to keep an eye out for the eggs. The egg masses look like a light grayish splotch of mud. If you see them report it to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Local wineries and guests who love to visit them are hopeful the bugs can stopped before they have any major impacts.
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