New York Reporting Fewer of This Awful Invasive Bug, Here’s Why

In the past, we have written about an evasive species that wreaks havoc in New York State and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Yes, I'm, referring to the Spotted Lanternfly.

The Spotted Lanternfly was first discovered in the United States in Pennsylvania. They began to appear in New York State in 2020, specifically in Staten Island.

What Is A Spotted Lanternfly?

The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive species, that feeds on trees and a variety of plants. The NYS DEC says that currently, the full impacts of the Spotted lanternfly are unknown, but they negatively impact the agricultural and tourism industries and may impact New York's forests (as well as Pennsylvania.)

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets notes that adults are active from July to December. September is when the Spotted Lanternfly begins laying eggs.

How Can You Spot A Spotted Lanternfly?

The NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets notes that they are one-inch-long egg masses, brownish-gray, waxy, and mud-like when new. Old egg masses are brown and scaly. Massive honeydew build-up under plants, sometimes with black sooty mold developing.

If you see a Spotted Lanternfly, kill it immediately by stepping on it or crushing it. Also, destroy egg masses by scraping them into a bucket of hot, soapy water or a baggie/jar of hand sanitizer.

Read More: This Is The First Type Of Tree To Change Leaf Colors In New York State

Take pictures of the insect, egg masses, and/or infestation signs (include something for scale such as a coin or ruler) and email them to spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov. or fill out the Department of Agriculture and Markets' reporting form. Note the location (address, intersecting roads, landmarks, or GPS coordinates).

Are There Fewer of the Spotted Lanternflies in New York?

Here's the good news. according to the New York Post, at least in New York City, a lot less of this invasive species has been, well, spotted, and it's because residents are heeding the advice to stamp out these bugs on sight, as mentioned earlier in this article.

In addition to humans doing their part, in the New York Post article, Brian Eshenaur, a senior extension associate for NYS Integrated Pest Management at Cornell University notes that natural predators are also responsible for the decrease in Spotted Lanternflies as they are a new food source.

So, humans, birds, and bugs are working together to help stamp out the unwanted Spotted Lanternfly. Let's keep it up!