MID-HUDSON – Spotted lanternflies are invasive plant hoppers native to southern Asia. First identified in Pennsylvania in 2014, they have recently spread to New York, Delaware, and Virginia.
The colorful insects are harmless to people but can cause significant damage to vineyards, orchards, forests and other plants.
Throughout the Hudson Valley confirmed infestations have been reported in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties.
Jacob Lesser, an outreach specialist with Cornell Pest Management, said spotted lanternflies typically spread when people unknowingly transport them. Cars and trains are common carriers, and the insects often lay eggs on items such as pallets or camping supplies. If the eggs go unnoticed and are moved elsewhere, they can hatch the following spring.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Lerner, senior resource educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County, described Spotted Lanternfly as a “sap sucking insect with both nymphs and adults feeding on plants by piercing stems and leaves with specialized mouth parts. They are often found swarming en masse over an infested plant in addition to weakening the host by directly sucking its juices and exuding sweet honeydew that can further damage the plant by providing a breeding ground for harmful mold.”
The insect proved highly invasive when introduced to Korea in 2000 by feeding on more than 70 plant species including food and lumber crops.
To prevent the spread, Lerner has suggested that residents learn what Spotted Lanternfly looks like. “Inspect outdoor furniture and smooth surfaces for the presence of egg masses as well as items stored out of doors,” she said.
Lerner advised that any egg masses found should be scraped off, double-bagged, and discarded.
Egg masses can also be placed in alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill them.
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