Noticed lanternfly in NYC: State urging residents to be aggressive in killing the invasive insect

STATEN ICELAND, NY – The state urges New York City residents to be aggressive to kill any spotted lantern flies they see – and allow state surveyors access to their property to help control the infestation.

However, it is no longer necessary for city dwellers to report the locations, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) said on Wednesday.

“The department has worked diligently to mitigate the effects of this destructive pest that can weaken crops and wreak havoc on agriculture,” said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball sighted lantern flies found in the New York City area. We ask the residents for help again, this time with treatment options for spotted lanterns, especially in this area. “

First found on Staten Island in August 2020, the population has now been observed in all NYC boroughs, the announcement said.

The spotted lantern fly is a destructive pest that feeds on more than 70 species of plants, including sky trees and plants and crops that are vital to New York’s agricultural economy, such as grapevines, apple trees, and hops.

The department has received reports on the locations of lantern flies sighted since earlier this month, and surveyors continue to respond to those reports, the general meeting said. According to the announcement, the surveyors always carry a full ID.

In addition to destroying adult spotted lanterns, residents should continue to help in the fall by scraping off and crushing their egg masses, the agency said. Residents are encouraged to contact Cornell University’s Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) or a certified pesticide applicator for treatment options to control the infestation, the annual meeting said.

While these insects can jump and fly short distances, they mainly spread through human activity, the announcement said. You can lay your eggs on any number of surfaces, including vehicles, stone, rusty metal, patio furniture, and firewood. Adult lantern flies can ride on vehicles, on any outdoor object, or cling to clothing or hats, and can be easily transported to and from New York.

Because of this, Staten Island residents are encouraged to thoroughly inspect vehicles, luggage and equipment, as well as all outdoor items, for egg masses and adult lantern flies before leaving the New York City area, the annual general meeting said.

Feeding the spotted lantern fly can stress plants, making them susceptible to disease and attack from other insects. The insect also secretes large amounts of sticky “honeydew”, which attracts sooty mold that disrupts photosynthesis in plants, negatively impacts plant growth and fruit yield, ravages agriculture, and adversely affects forest health.

The total estimated economic impact of invasive insects in the country exceeds $ 70 billion a year, the state announcement said, and if not contained, the infestation could hit at least $ 300 million annually on New York State, primarily due to the fact that it is not the grape and wine industry.

The insect also has the potential to significantly affect quality of life and recreational activities through the honeydew and the swarms of insects it attracts.

The spotted lantern fly was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since been found in New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, and Virginia.

Adult spotted lantern flies are active from July through December. At rest they are about an inch long and a half inch wide and have showy wings. Adults start laying eggs in September. Signs of an infestation can be:

• Juice that oozes or oozes from open wounds on tree trunks that appear wet and give off fermented odors.
• One inch long egg masses that are brownish-gray, waxy, and muddy when new. Old egg masses are brown and flaky.
• Massive honeydew formation under plants, sometimes with black soot mold.

Adult spotted lantern flies are active from July through December.