The Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect, is making itself known again this year throughout Westchester County. In most areas the final instar nymph stage is almost over and the adult spotted lanternfly has started to appear. The adults are about one-inch long with gray forewings heavily spotted with small black spots that fold over their back when they are at rest. Spotted lanternflies will not harm people or pets but can create serious economic losses.
At this time of year, a backpack vacuum with rechargeable batteries can be used to suck up adult spotted lanternflies and any late stage nymphs. That technique is currently being used at Lasdon and other Westchester County Parks. Even a small handheld vaccuum can be used to suck them up. Empty the canister into a plastic bag containing alcohol/ hand sanitizer and seal it before disposal.
We also use Spotted Lanternfly circle traps at Lasdon. You may see them on trees in the orchard or along the Trail of Honor. We collect data on the total of lanternflies caught every two weeks and report the data to the Lower Hudson PRISM.
Adult spotted lanternflies begin to lay eggs in October or November. The adults will be killed by upcoming hard frosts but the eggs they lay will persist through winter. The eggs are often laid on the branches and trunks of trees (the tree-of-heaven being a favorite), rocks or other structures where they will hatch next spring. The location where the eggs are laid often looks like it has been covered by a patch of gray putty. Cornell University suggests scraping the egg masses off beginning in late fall but before May when the eggs hatch. Any tool that is hard, tapered and/or flat can be used as a scraper. Egg masses can be double bagged, secured and then disposed of in the garbage. It is not possible to reach egg masses that are high up in a tree, but any masses you do scrape off contain up to 50 spotted lanternflies so it is definitely helpful for successful control.
Please check NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets or Lower Hudson PRISM, SLF Info Sheet for further information and any updates.
