US Open fans urged to kill sex-crazed bugs as authorities issue urgent alert

Fans and players at the US Open have been warned about 'sex-crazed bugs' which are expected to wreak havoc in New York during the tournament. The singles competition will begin on Sunday with many of the world's top players vying for Grand Slam glory. Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper will fly the flag for Great Britain and have been handed favourable draws in the opening round.

The young duo will be hoping to go deep into the tournament, which Raducanu managed to win against all odds back in 2021. However, they might be forced to take evasive action if the worst fears of US Open bosses come true. There are said to be growing concerns that hordes of flying insects could swarm Flushing Meadows while matches are taking place.

Spotted lanternflies have been recorded in huge numbers over the last few weeks and the bugs are expected to appear in numbers during the US Open, according to The Sun.

The tournament will take place in the middle of their mating season, leading to a potential problem for organisers. The bugs have already been spotted in 29 of the 62 counties in the state of New York since the start of the summer.

Players have reportedly been instructed to stomp the insects to death if they come across them on the court. This is because the spotted lanternfly is an invasive species, having been accidentally introduced to the United States from the Far East.

They are considered a serious threat to American agriculture, feeding on a wide variety of plants including fruit trees and vegetable gardens.

Brian Eshenaur, an invasive species expert at Cornell University, is quoted as saying: "When somebody sees an insect, we ask them to take a picture first. And then stomp on it."

New York's very own Department of Agriculture has warned that spotted lanternflies can ravage local plants as they campaign for people to step on the flying bugs.

The body said: "The spotted lanternfly is a serious invasive pest with a healthy appetite for our plants and it can be a significant nuisance, affecting the quality of life and enjoyment of the outdoors.

"The spotted lanternfly uses its piercing-sucking mouthpart to feed on sap from over 70 different plant species. It has a strong preference for economically important plants.

"The feeding damage significantly stresses the plants, which can lead to decreased health and potentially death."

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