Researchers at Virginia Tech have found that dogs can effectively detect the invasive spotted lanternfly, offering a potential new strategy for managing this destructive pest.
Catching the spotted lanternfly early is crucial, but locating its eggs can be a challenging task. This is where dogs come into play, utilizing their exceptional sense of smell to assist in the effort.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have revealed that dogs, often referred to as man’s best friend, may also serve as a valuable ally in combating the spread of the invasive spotted lanternfly. This study marks the first time that pet dogs have been shown to help in identifying and potentially controlling this pest.
The spotted lanternfly, which feeds on various plants, excretes a sugary substance known as honeydew. This substance encourages mold growth and can lead to significant damage to local ecosystems. Due to their destructive nature, some states have initiated campaigns urging residents to stomp on these pests whenever they are spotted. However, experts emphasize that the key to managing the problem lies in eliminating their egg masses, which can be difficult to find as they often resemble dried mud and blend into their surroundings.
“Dogs have one dominant sense. It’s their nose. We use our eyes. Dogs use their nose like their eyes,” said Katie Thomas, a participant in the study.
Thomas, along with her nine-year-old pit bull mix, Finch, took part in the research, aiming to leverage their experience in recreational scent work for a greater cause. The duo underwent a series of indoor and outdoor tests, successfully identifying egg masses and receiving recognition when Finch accurately detected the scent.
“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,” Thomas expressed.
The spotted lanternfly is native to Asia and was first identified in the United States in Pennsylvania over a decade ago. Since then, it has spread to 19 states, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“They are everywhere, and we need to search out the eggs. The problem is it’s too late once we have the lanternfly,” added Carolyn Shelburne, another study participant.
Shelburne and her nine-year-old border collie, Hermes, were among the first five K9 and handler teams to successfully complete their field tests. In total, 182 volunteer teams from across the United States participated in the study.
During indoor tests, dogs were able to correctly identify the scent of the lanternfly more than 80% of the time. In real-world outdoor tests, they achieved a success rate of over 60%, which surpasses the effectiveness of 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,” Shelburne remarked.
Researchers are optimistic that this study is just the beginning of utilizing dogs to protect local environments. Even in regions where the spotted lanternfly is not currently a problem, dogs could be trained to detect other invasive species, broadening their role in ecological conservation efforts.
As the fight against invasive species continues, the potential for dogs to contribute significantly to these efforts is becoming increasingly clear, offering a promising avenue for environmental protection.
According to Virginia Tech, the collaboration between canine companions and researchers may pave the way for innovative strategies in managing invasive pests.