Spotted Lanternflies in New York: Should Homeowners Be Concerned?

If you live in New York, you may have heard about the spotted lanternfly (SLF), an invasive pest spreading rapidly across the Northeast. First discovered in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014, this insect has since moved into New York, causing serious damage to vineyards, fruit orchards, hardwood trees, and even residential landscapes. While spotted lanternflies do not bite or sting, their feeding habits weaken plants, making them susceptible to disease and death.

If you live in New York, here’s everything you need to know about these invasive pests, how to identify them, why they are dangerous, and what you can do to protect your home and the environment from their spread.

What Are Spotted Lanternflies?

The spotted lanternfly is not a native species to the United States. It originates from China, India, and Vietnam, where natural predators help keep its population in check. However, without these natural enemies in the U.S., SLFs have spread at an alarming rate.

The first spotted lanternflies in the U.S. were discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014. They likely arrived in the country as egg masses attached to shipping materials, vehicles, and imported goods. Since then, SLFs have spread to multiple states, including New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, and in recent years, New York.

What Do Spotted Lanternflies Look Like?

SLFs have distinct physical features that make them easy to identify at each stage of their life cycle:

• Egg masses (Laid in fall, hatch in spring): Grayish-brown, flat, and about one inch long. They often resemble smudges of dried mud and can be found on tree bark, stones, patio furniture, and even vehicles.
• Nymphs (spring to summer): Small black insects with white spots in early stages, turning red as they mature. They hop quickly and are often found on the trunks of trees.
• Adults (late summer to fall): About one inch long with gray wings that reveal striking red and black patterns when open. Their hindwings are bright red with black spots, while the forewings have black spots and a lace-like appearance.

How Do Spotted Lanternflies Spread?

One of the reasons SLFs have spread so quickly across the Northeast is their ability to lay eggs on nearly any smooth surface, including:

• Tree trunks and branches
• Rocks and stones
• Outdoor furniture
• Vehicles, firewood, and camping equipment

Since SLFs are excellent hitchhikers, they are commonly transported unknowingly by people. If you’re traveling between states, it’s important to check your vehicle and belongings to prevent their spread.

How Do Spotted Lanternflies Impact New York?

Spotted lanternflies may look harmless, but their impact is anything but. Here’s why these invasive pests are a serious problem in New York:

Agricultural Devastation

New York’s $6 billion agricultural industry is at significant risk from spotted lanternflies. These insects pose a major threat to crops such as:

• Grapes: Vineyards in New York’s Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley, and Long Island face devastating economic losses as SLFs feed on the sap of grapevines. This feeding weakens vines, reducing grape yields and making them vulnerable to disease.
• Fruit Trees: Peaches, apples, and cherry trees are among SLFs’ favorite food sources. Infestations lead to diminished fruit production and tree stress, impacting the state’s fruit industry.
• Hops & Other Crops: New York is home to a growing craft beer industry, but SLFs pose a major risk to hops, a key ingredient in beer production. If the infestation continues to spread, it could have severe economic consequences for farmers.

Trees and Plant Health

SLFs use their piercing, straw-like mouthparts to feed on tree sap, which weakens trees over time. This excessive feeding disrupts nutrient flow, leading to:

• Wilting leaves and premature leaf drop
• Stunted growth and branch dieback
• Increased susceptibility to disease and other pests

Their preferred host is the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), an invasive species that thrives in New York. However, SLFs also feed on maple, walnut, birch, black walnut, sycamore, and fruit trees, which are vital to both New York’s environment and economy.

Spotted Lanternflies Are a Homeowner’s Nightmare

While SLFs don’t sting or bite, their swarming presence can make outdoor spaces unbearable. These pests often gather in large numbers on trees, fences, outdoor furniture, and even homes.

One of the biggest complaints from homeowners is honeydew, a sticky, sugary substance that SLFs secrete after feeding. This substance not only makes patios, railings, and cars sticky but also attracts other pests like ants and wasps. The honeydew also encourages the growth of sooty mold, a black fungus that covers surfaces and can harm plant health.

How to Get Rid of Spotted Lanternflies

If you see spotted lanternflies on your property, it’s important to take action before they multiply. Here are some effective control methods:

• Scrape and Destroy Egg Masses (Fall to Spring): Use a plastic card or putty knife to scrape egg masses into a bag filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. This prevents thousands of new lanternflies from hatching in the spring.
• Use Traps: Sticky tree bands or circle traps help catch nymphs as they climb up tree trunks. Be sure to use bird-safe netting to prevent unintended captures.
• Apply Insecticides: Professional pest control companies use targeted insecticides to manage SLFs. Some systemic insecticides can be absorbed by trees and kill SLFs that feed on them.
• Encourage Natural Predators: Birds, spiders, and certain wasp species prey on SLFs. Attracting these natural enemies can help keep populations in check.
• Manual Removal: If you spot adult lanternflies, stomp on them immediately. They are quick, but physically removing as many as possible can help slow their spread.

How to Report Spotted Lanternflies in New York

Because SLFs spread so easily, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of Agriculture and Markets are urging residents to report any sightings. You can report SLF sightings in New York by:

• Submitting a photo and location details to New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
• Calling the Spotted Lanternfly Helpline at 1-866-640-0652
• Emailing slf@agriculture.ny.gov with photos and location details

Ways New York Homeowners Can Take Action

Spotted lanternflies are more than a passing nuisance—they threaten New York’s agriculture, trees, and even your home’s outdoor spaces. Although SLFs don’t harm people or pets, their rapid spread and destructive feeding habits make them a major concern for homeowners, farmers, and environmentalists alike.

The good news? You can help in the fight against SLFs. Here’s what you can do:

• Inspect & Destroy Egg Masses: Check your property, outdoor furniture, and vehicles for egg masses and remove them.
• Report Sightings: Notify New York State authorities of any SLF sightings to aid in containment efforts.
• Use Traps & Treatments: Implement natural or chemical control methods to reduce their population.
• Stay Informed: Follow updates from local agricultural departments to stay aware of infestation zones and control efforts.

By taking action now, we can help slow the spread of spotted lanternflies and protect New York’s trees, crops, and communities. If you’re dealing with a serious infestation on your property, consider reaching out to professional pest control experts for effective removal strategies.

Get Help with Spotted Lanternfly Control in New York!

If you’ve spotted lanternflies on your property, don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact our pest control experts today for a free inspection and customized treatment plan to protect your home, trees, and garden from these invasive pests.