The Latest on Spotted Lanternfly Spread in New York State

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has announced new findings of the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) in additional locations across New York State. The Department is now urging residents of a number of upstate counties, including Albany, Schenectady, Ontario, and Seneca counties, to report any additional sightings and scrape egg masses, which will help inspectors to assess impacted areas and slow the spread of SLF in New York State.

SLF is an invasive insect that was first found in Pennsylvania in 2014. It has since been detected in 18 states including New York. New York’s first detection was in the late summer 2020 on Staten Island. SLF has continued to expand its range in New York State, and in July 2024, the Department confirmed the presence of SLF in Romulus, near the grape-growing region of the Finger Lakes. During the 2024 survey season, state inspectors confirmed new populations of SLF in Geneva, Ontario County: Romulus, Seneca County; City of Schenectady, Schenectady County; and Cohoes, Albany County.

As part of the state’s response efforts, the Department’s Division of Plant Industry staff are working diligently with partners and stakeholders to determine the extent of the population in these newly reported areas. By mid-December, it is too late in the season to see adult SLF. However, the Department advises residents of Upstate and Western New York to remain vigilant through the spring, when SLF begin to hatch, and report sightings moving as many as possible can reduce the numbers that will hatch in the spring.

SLF Impacts to New York Agriculture

The estimated total economic impact of invasive insects in the U.S. exceeds $70 billion per year, and if not contained, SLF could have an impact to New York State of at least $300 million annually, mainly to the grape and wine industry, which ranks third in the country in production. SLF also has the potential to significantly hinder quality of life and recreational activities due to the honeydew and the swarms of insects it attracts.

For more, continue reading at agriculture.ny.gov.