NEW YORK — Representatives from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM), the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the Cornell University Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program visit Roberto Clemente State Park in The Bronx on Thursday to provide an update on spotted lanternflies.
Spotted lanternflies are a destructive pest that feeds on more than 100 species of plants, including the tree of heaven, and plants and crops that are critical to New York’s agricultural economy, such as grapevines, apple trees, and hops. The invasive was first observed in New York State on Staten Island in August 2020, and has since been reported in all boroughs of New York City, Long Island, and several areas in upstate New York.
More recently, New York State has been listening to concerns from New York City residents regarding the control of spotted lanternflies. State officials and Cornell experts shared tips with residents on how to combat spotted lanternflies on their properties, as well as information on the life cycle of spotted lanternflies and what to expect for the rest of this summer and throughout the seasons. of autumn and winter.
“Here in New York City, with spotted lanternflies at their peak, we know and understand that our residents are frustrated with their presence in public areas and on their property,” said the state director of plant industry for the Department of Agriculture and New York State Markets, Chris Logue. “The public has been a tremendous resource to us regarding spotted lanternflies and we thank them for that. Our efforts in the Department must first focus on protecting our agricultural areas from spotted lanternflies because if not contained, the Spotted lanternflies could have a negative economic impact in New York State of at least $300 million annually, primarily on the grape and wine industry, however, we want to make sure New York City residents know what wait in the coming months and have a way to control this invasive species.”
Although these insects can jump and fly short distances, they are spread primarily through human activity. Spotted Lanternflies can lay their eggs on any number of surfaces, including vehicles, stone, rusty metal, outdoor furniture, and firewood. Adult spotted lanternflies can hitchhike in vehicles, on anything outdoors, or attach to clothing or hats, and are easily transported to and throughout New York, so residents are urged to be vigilant.
With spotted lanternflies currently in their adult stage, residents will likely see the invasive species until late November or the first hard frost. However, the spotted lanternfly will start laying its eggs in September, for which AGM, DEC and IPM emphasize:
- Although New York City residents do NOT need to report sightings of spotted lanternflies, they should continue to kill them to control the population.
- They are not harmful to you, your pets, or to forest or urban trees.
- The public is encouraged to thoroughly inspect vehicles, luggage and equipment, and all outdoor items for spotted lanternflies. If they find them, the residents must destroy them.
For more information and photos on control methods, including scraping Spotted Lanternfly eggs, click here.
