Spotted Lanternfly Found In New York State

Officials across New York State are warning residents that a very invasive and destructive bug has returned to the state, and if you see the bug, you should kill it immediately and report it to the State DEC.

SPOTTED LANTERFLY IS BACK IN NEW YORK STATE

The Spotted Lanternfly has been an issue across the state since 2014, and each year it causes thousands of dollars in damage to trees, plants, bushes, and more.

Since 2014, the Spotted Lanternfly has been found in 14 states, including New York. Within New York's borders, they can be found on Staten Island, all New York City boroughs, Long Island, Port Jervis, Sloatsburg, Orangeburg, Ithaca, Binghamton, Middletown, Newburgh, Highland, and the Buffalo area.

See Where The Spotted Lanternfly Has Been Spotted

There are several signs to watch for if you think you have a spotted lanternfly infestation. They include:

Sap oozing or weeping from open wounds on tree trunks, which appear wet and 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 developing.

WHAT DO I DO IF I SEE A SPOTTED LANTERNFLY?

Officials in New York are urging people who see a Spotted Lanternfly to kill it immediately. You can kill it by stepping on it or crushing it. You should also report the Spotted Lanternfly to the New York State Department of Agriculture.