New York State Wants You To Stomp On This Bug

One of the most popular responses when someone sees a bug is "Kill it". Not all bugs are bad; most spiders get a bad wrap. Yes, I have been known to catch a bug instead of killing it and then take it outside. Of course, if you are talking about stink bugs, definitely don't squish those unless you don't mind the stink, but Spotted Lanternflies, go to town and stomp that thing down.

New York State Launches a Stomp On It Campaign for Lanterflies

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation via Facebook

There is now a campaign with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation that encourages you to stomp on a Spotted Lanternfly as soon as you see it. Sadl,y they have taken over so bad that in part of the Hudson Valley you don't even have to report your sighting anymore, they just want you to kill it.

How To Identify A Spotted Lanterfly

The trouble is that the spotted lantern fly has a rather long lifespan. During its development, it transforms, which means you might not realize it is a Spotted Lanternfly until it is a full-grown adult who may have already laid eggs.

Andrew the Arborist via YouTube

If you are hearing about Spotted Lanternflies for the first time, check out this YouTube Video from Andrew the Arborist. It is about 4 years old, but it is very informative.

Why You Want to Destroy Spotted Lanternflies

I normally don't advocate for killing things. I love nature and all its creatures, but these particular bugs are extremely invasive and don't have many natural predators that will eat them. That means we have to help nature with this one.

Hopefully, that will change, but in the meantime, we need to have stomping parties. The Hudson Valley region is full of vineyards and fruit trees that could be destroyed by these out-of-town pests. So it is time to learn what they look like and help rid our community of these unwanted bugs before they ruin our local fruit, wine, and any other vegetation they deem a snack.

5 of New York's Most Devastating Invasive Species

Here are 5 species that have invaded New York State and in some cases they must be killed. We are talking about fish that walk on land, plants that cause severe burns and insects that could wipe out a variety of crops that we rely on.

Keep an eye out for these species and you hike, work around the yard or do some fishing this year. Should you locate any of these it is important to report where and when you found them to the New York State DEC.

Gallery Credit: Karolyi

New York State's Invasive Plants To Be On The Lookout For

These seven invasive plants have become a nuisance to the wildlife and people living in New York State. Learn more about them and how to remove them at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation here.