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Spotted Lanternfly Makes Its Way to Rockland

Spotted Lanternfly Makes Its Way to Rockland

By M. C. Millman

Officials have reported sightings of the spotted lanternfly in all five boroughs and the tristate area this summer. The invasive species has also spread to Rockland, with infestation sites in Nyack, Orangeburg, and Sloatsburg.

These pests feed on more than 70 plants critical to the state's agriculture, including grapevines, hops, maple trees, walnut trees, fruit trees, and others. 

The invasive bug sucks the sap of trees. It excretes large amounts of sticky "honeydew," attracting sooty molds that negatively impact plants' growth and fruit yield. The bug is detrimental to vineyards and orchards and is rightfully worrying farmers. 

These pests don't fly very far but are generally transported by humans. The bug can lay eggs on various surfaces, including vehicles. The eggs are then inadvertently transported and spread to multiple areas. 

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation has tips on how you can help. First, learn to identify the spotted lanternfly. Next, inspect items such as firewood, vehicles, and furniture for egg masses. Check your car before traveling and get rid of spotted lanternflies trying to hitch a ride. 

Destroy egg masses by scraping them into a bucket of hot, soapy water or a baggie/jar of hand sanitizer.

If you find a spotted lanternfly in New York, take a picture of the insect, egg masses, and/or infestation signs (include something for scale such as a coin or ruler) and email it to [email protected]. Note the location (address, intersecting roads, landmarks or GPS coordinates).

Photo: Wikipedia


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