When the invasive spotted lanternfly first appeared in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 2014, few could have predicted the sweeping effect it would have across the northeastern United States. Residents like Exeter Township Manager William Heim recall the overwhelming swarms:
“Within a few years, the insects were swarming around trees, around decks, and pools, and porches, and they would actually jump at people — jump on their clothing, jump in their hair,” Heim said. “Every time I stepped outside, there were hundreds of lanternflies on my property.”
Home remedies were tried. Residents sprayed diluted detergent, sealed egg masses in jars, and even stomped the insects en masse. Professional exterminators were hired. But none of these efforts managed to stop the relentless spread.
Today, the spotted lanternfly is present in at least 18 states, and in New York, it was first detected in Staten Island in 2020. The insect has now spread to over half of the state’s counties, raising concerns for both homeowners and agricultural industries.
Story Highlights
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Spotted Lanternfly first appeared in New York in 2020.
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Adults and egg masses spread easily via vehicles, landscaping, and human activity.
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Feed on over 120 plant species, including grapevines, apple trees, and tree of heaven.
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Economic impact could reach $300 million annually if left unmanaged.
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Mitigation involves repeated insecticide use, posing costs and environmental concerns.
Lifecycle and Behavior of the Spotted Lanternfly
In New York, spotted lanternflies hatch in May or June as black nymphs with white spots. By July and August, they develop into red-and-white adults and begin laying egg masses in September. Adults die off with the first hard freeze.
Jeremy Schuster, a lanternfly expert and viticulture specialist at Cornell Cooperative Extension, explains:
“The species is native to China, India, and Vietnam, where their numbers are naturally kept in check by predators. Here in the U.S., there are no natural predators to control them effectively.”
Although birds and other insects may eat them, “they can only eat so much,” Schuster noted.
Their favorite food is the tree of heaven — itself an invasive species — but lanternflies can also feed on over 120 plant types, including grapevines and maple trees, making them a serious concern for New York agriculture.
A “Great Hitchhiker”
Spotted lanternflies are not particularly strong fliers. While some researchers argue they can glide only short distances, Penn State University’s Brian Walsh recalls seeing one soar over a quarry 2,000 feet wide.
Despite debates about flight ability, both experts agree that humans play a larger role in their spread. Adult lanternflies and their egg masses easily attach to vehicles, landscaping materials, and cargo. Chris Logue, director of the Plant Industry Division at the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, said:
“It is a really great hitchhiker.”
Egg masses are particularly challenging, as they often resemble dirt or mud and go unnoticed. Tracking efforts using DNA from shed lanternfly cells show that the insects often follow the state highway system.
Impact on Vineyards and the Economy
Spotted lanternflies can harm grapevines by sucking sap, reducing starches and sugars necessary for survival during winter. Brian Eshenaur, an invasive species specialist with Cornell, explains:
“One or two lanternflies on a vine won’t cause much damage, but they tend to gather in clusters. That’s when the real impact happens.”
The Department of Agriculture and Markets warns that, without containment, spotted lanternflies could cost New York’s grape and wine industry at least $300 million annually.
Farmers use insecticides to protect crops, but these require repeated applications each season and are costly. They also impact beneficial insects and require careful timing to meet pre-harvest intervals, according to Schuster.
Viticulturists’ reactions vary. Scott Osborn of Fox Run Vineyards said:
“Everybody’s worried. We’ve heard the horror stories about Pennsylvania, but we just don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Meanwhile, Harry Robibero of Robibero Winery in the Hudson Valley remains cautiously optimistic:
“Even in areas with lanternflies, they are not too detrimental. We believe we will be able to prevail even if the spotted lanternfly comes to our area.”
Federal Response and Mitigation Efforts
U.S. Representative Joseph Morelle introduced the bipartisan Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act to provide federal resources to combat the infestation.
“It’s hard to visit the Finger Lakes region without enjoying our world-class vineyards and orchards. But without strong federal action, New York’s farmers and growers face a serious financial threat from the spotted lanternfly,” Morelle said.
New York established an external quarantine in 2018 to prevent the insect from spreading from infested areas. Items like plants, firewood, and construction materials now require inspection certificates.
Lessons from Pennsylvania
Berks County, PA, once overwhelmed by lanternflies, now sees declining numbers. Walsh noted:
“The overall population will expand and expand, then it drops out after a number of years.”
Experts speculate the drop-off could be due to depletion of food sources or increased predation. Still, vineyards experience annual resurgences. Pennsylvania has learned to manage infestations more effectively through established practices, offering lessons for New York farmers.
The spread of the spotted lanternfly in New York underscores the challenges posed by invasive species in both urban and agricultural settings. While initial outbreaks have caused widespread concern, ongoing research, targeted mitigation, and federal support offer hope for managing the pest. Vigilance from residents, farmers, and authorities remains essential, as the lanternfly continues to threaten vineyards, trees, and local ecosystems. Effective containment and coordinated action could prevent severe economic losses while allowing New York’s communities and industries to adapt to this persistent invader.
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