Expanding peril posed by lanternflies in the Southern Region
In the Southern Tier of New York, wildlife experts have issued a warning about the spread of Spotted Lanternflies (SLF), an invasive species that has been sighted in 29 counties across the state. This pest, now mature and feeding on crops like grapes, is causing concern among officials and farmers alike.
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To combat the spread of SLF, a multi-faceted strategy has been put in place. Public awareness and reporting play a crucial role. Residents are urged to report SLF sightings, including photos and location details, to the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets. This helps track and contain infestations.
Inspection and prevention of spread are also essential. People are encouraged to inspect outdoor items such as firewood, vehicles, furniture, pallets, and other materials for egg masses or insects before moving them, especially when traveling to or from infested areas. Scraping off and destroying egg masses is recommended to prevent spread.
Destruction of egg masses is another key strategy. Egg masses should be scraped off into hot, soapy water or hand sanitizer to kill them effectively. Physical removal of adults and nymphs is also advised when they are encountered.
Monitoring and inspection by officials are vital in tracking the insect's spread across counties and coordinating efforts with programs like Cornell's Integrated Pest Management. Targeting the preferred host plant, the invasive "tree of heaven" (Ailanthus altissima), can help reduce SLF populations, although this is a more complex and longer-term strategy.
Officials are urging the public to stay alert for SLF. By following these strategies, residents can help slow the spread of this invasive species and protect their crops and ecosystems. If you spot a Spotted Lanternfly, report it to the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets via email or their online form.
The FingerLakes1.com app is free to download from the App Store, making it easy for you to stay informed and take action. Subscribing to the Morning Edition newsletter delivers headlines to your inbox each morning, keeping you updated on the latest developments in the fight against SLF.
[1] New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. (n.d.). Spotted Lanternfly. Retrieved from https://agriculture.ny.gov/plant_industries/spotted_lanternfly.html
[2] Cornell University. (n.d.). Spotted Lanternfly. Retrieved from https://nysipm.cornell.edu/resource/spotted-lanternfly
[3] Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Spotted Lanternfly. Retrieved from https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/PlantIndustry/Entomology/EntomologyHomepage/SpottedLanternfly/Pages/default.aspx
[4] United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Spotted Lanternfly. Retrieved from https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/pests-diseases/pn/spotted-lanternfly/sa-spotted-lanternfly
[5] New York State Integrated Pest Management Program. (n.d.). Spotted Lanternfly. Retrieved from https://nysipm.cornell.edu/resource/spotted-lanternfly
- To protect the local environment and crops from the harmful impacts of climate change, residents of the Southern Tier of New York should remain vigilant for Spotted Lanternflies (SLF), an invasive species, and report any sightings to the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets.
- As the climate change continues to affect weather patterns, the field of environmental science has become increasingly important for understanding and mitigating the impacts of invasive species like SLF on the delicate balance of ecosystems in the Finger Lakes region.
