Unlikely heroes: Dog duo protecting NC wineries and orchards against invasive Spotted Lanternflies

North Carolina's wineries and orchards have two unlikely heroes: Goose and Kita, a pair of black Labrador Retrievers trained to sniff out Spotted Lanternflies – an invasive insect that could devastate North Carolina's wine industry and nurseries.

The insect has already been found in Forsyth County, and experts believe it is only a matter of time before it spreads to other parts of the state.

Goose and Kita are already being used to search for insects at airports, train stations, and other transportation hubs.

"It could show up anywhere just because it's such a good hitchhiker," Jackie Fredieu, NC Dept. of Agriculture, said.

Spotted Lanternflies are attracted to tree sap and can quickly decimate entire orchards and vineyards. They also produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract mold and other pests.

"It's traveling on cars, trucks, trains and we had a report in Asheville that turned out to be transplanted here from lawn furniture," Chad Taylor, NC Dept. of Agriculture. "So it lays eggs on everything and anything."

It can devastate important agricultural industries in the state, such as wineries, apple orchards, and nurseries. It feeds on more than 70 species of plants.

"It's a danger to the plants more than humans," Fredieu said. "It won't bite or sting you or anything like that."

This insect can kill your roses, hydrangeas, or hardwoods in some backyards. It can also spread a gooey mess, like aphids, leading to black mold, fungus, and other environmental hazards.

Because of that, Goose and Kita are constantly training to protect our state's wineries and orchards.

Fredieu trains her dog by taking it to work with her every day. They search places where people may have traveled, such as campgrounds, parks, and rest stops. This includes places where vacationers and truck drivers may have been.

"Very rewarding for me to see her do her job and actually make a difference," Fredieu said.

Taylor is also thrilled to be working with Goose as a team.

"It's the best part of my job I've ever had," Taylor said. "To just have a dog ride around with you. It's great. It really is."

Traveling this time of year to see the leaves change could accidentally make you a carrier of the Spotted Lanternfly.

The Department of Agriculture has created pens with a drawing of the Spotted Lanternfly on them.

These pens are meant to help people identify the insect so they can report any sightings.

If a person sees a Spotted Lanternfly, its important to know they should kill it and report it by sending an email to badbug@ncagr.gov

Here are some additional tips to help you prevent the spread of Spotted Lanternfly:

• Check your vehicles for egg masses before traveling.
• Inspect your plants for signs of infestation.
• Destroy any Spotted Lanternfly egg masses or insects that you find.
• Report any sightings of Spotted Lanternflies to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.
• By taking these steps, we can help to protect North Carolina's wine industry and nurseries from this destructive insect.