Back-to-School Bash and Invasive Pest Warning: Georgia Communities Prepare for Fall
Samantha Lusk & Associates Realty is inviting the community to a FREE Back-to-School Bash this Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m., offering students and families a cheerful start to the upcoming school year.
Hosted at the agency’s local office, the event will feature free school supplies, giveaways, and a festive atmosphere for families to enjoy. Supplies will be available while they last, and all activities are free of charge.
“This is our way of giving back to the community that supports us year-round,” said Samantha Lusk, broker and owner of Samantha Lusk & Associates Realty. “We want every child to head into the new school year feeling confident and prepared.”
The event is open to the public, and families are encouraged to stop by for supplies and fun. For more information, visit the Samantha Lusk & Associates Realty Facebook page.
Statewide Action Against Spotted Lanternfly Invasion
While Georgia students prepare to return to school, agricultural and environmental agencies across the state are working hard to battle a very different kind of threat—the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect first detected in Georgia in October 2024.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the University of Georgia (UGA) have launched a coordinated effort to stop the spread of the insect, which threatens vital crops such as grapes, peaches, and timber.
Officials have rolled out a public awareness campaign encouraging residents to “spot it, smash it, and report it.” If residents see the insect, they are urged to kill it, take a photo, and report the sighting through Georgia’s invasive species tracking system, EDDMapS.
“Public reporting is a critical component of our response,” said a spokesperson from the Georgia Department of Agriculture. “Early detection and rapid response are our best defenses against this destructive pest.”
Survey teams are currently focused on Fulton County and surrounding regions, where the first live population was discovered. UGA researchers are simultaneously studying the insect’s life cycle and impact on Georgia’s climate and agricultural systems.
In the meantime, experts are recommending integrated pest management practices for homeowners and farmers, including the removal of the tree-of-heaven—the lanternfly’s preferred host—and inspection of vehicles and outdoor materials for egg masses.
Georgia’s response mirrors a national strategy led by APHIS, which will continue through 2028 with funding for research, control, and outreach.
As of summer 2025, officials urge residents to remain vigilant to keep the pest from gaining a permanent foothold in Georgia and threatening the state’s multibillion-dollar agricultural industry.
