It’s important that residents be on the lookout for these destructive pests which can cause problems. Hope this information is helpful. PAUL FEINER
It’s important that residents be on the lookout for these destructive pests which can cause problems. Hope this information is helpful. PAUL FEINER
Spotted Lanternfly
Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive pest from Asia that primarily feeds on Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), an invasive tree that can be found in our area, but can also feed on a wide variety of plants such as grapevine, hops, maple, walnut, fruit trees and others. This insect could impact New York's forests as well as the agricultural and tourism industries.
In the US, SLF was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since been found in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and New York.
The first New York State infestation was discovered in Staten Island in August 2020 (leaves DEC website). Visit Cornell's Integrated Pest Management site for an up-to-date map of current infestation locations in the Northeast, including New York (leaves DEC website).
Spotted lanternfly, Photo: Lawrence Barringer, SLF with closed wings, Photo: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, bugwood.org Department of Agriculture, bugwood.org
Risk to the State of New York
SLF pose a significant threat to New York's agricultural and forest health. Adults and nymphs use their sucking mouthparts to feed on the sap of more than 70 plant species. This feeding by sometimes thousands of SLF stresses plants, making them vulnerable to disease and attacks from other insects. SLF also excrete large amounts of sticky "honeydew," which attracts sooty molds that interfere with plant photosynthesis, negatively affecting the growth and fruit yield of plants.
Signs of an Infestation
- Sap oozing or weeping from tiny open wounds on tree trunks, which appears wet and may give off fermented odors.
- One-inch-long egg masses that are 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.
How You Can Help
- Learn how to identify SLF.
- Inspect outdoor items such as firewood, vehicles, and furniture for egg masses.
- If you visit states with SLF, be sure to check all equipment and gear before leaving. Scrape off any egg masses. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture webpage (leaves DEC website) for more information on SLF in PA.
If you believe you've found spotted lanternfly in New York:
For more information, please click on the following links:
https://www.news10.com/news/statewide-alert-issued-for-destructive-spotted-lanternfly-in-new-york/
https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/113303.html