Spotted Lanternfly Found in Finger Lakes Region

By Carrie Carmenatty

Following a report from an alert town of Romulus resident, Ag and Markets inspectors traveled to the infestation site, where they were able to confirm the presence of SLF nymphs.

The first SLF in the U.S. were confirmed in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014 and were believed to be transported with a shipment of stone from Asia. The pests are hitchhikers and easily introduced to new areas through human activity. The New York City Metropolitan area, Long Island and the Hudson Valley saw record numbers of the pest last summer and are expected to see large populations again this year. Sightings have also been reported in Buffalo, Syracuse and Ithaca, but this week’s discovery marked the first time SLF has been discovered in the Finger Lakes grape-growing region.

SLF are a potential economic and lifestyle pest for homeowners, businesses, tourism, and agriculture. Adult lanternfly feed in swarms and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which results in sooty mold growth and attracts other insects. The pests are particularly attracted to vineyards and if left unchecked have the potential to distress the wine and juice grape industry.

While this week’s discovery is not welcome news, New York State Integrated Pest Management Associate Director Brian Eshenaur cautioned residents not to panic.

“The most important thing for residents and business owners to recognize is that SLF are not dangerous to humans. They don’t sting or bite, and cannot survive indoors,” Eshenaur said. “Our neighbors in Pennsylvania have been dealing with populations of spotted lanternfly for more than a decade, and their experience has helped to prepare us for how to respond to populations here in the Finger Lakes.”

Individuals who live, work or visit the Finger Lakes are asked to be on the lookout for SLF and take the following steps, should they discover the pest:

• Take a photo of the insect
• Collect a sample and place it in a freezer or in a jar with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer
• Report the sighting to NYS Ag and Markets using their Spotted Lanternfly Public Report form.
• After reporting SLF and collecting a sample, kill any remaining SLF