DEC and DAM Release Fall 2019 Update on Spotted
Lanternfly in New York State
No
Infestations of Highly Destructive SLF Pest Confirmed to Date
Monitoring
Ongoing and Public Urged to Continue to Report Findings of Insects and Egg
Masses
The New York State Departments of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Agriculture and Markets (DAM) today
announced that although freezing temperatures will kill off adult spotted
lanternflies (SLF), the public is urged to stay vigilant and report
overwintering egg masses. In the fall, SLF will lay their eggs on any flat
surface such as vehicles, firewood, outdoor furniture, stone or other items
which can be inadvertently transported to new areas. If this insect becomes
established in New York, it could impact New York's forests, agricultural and
tourism industries.
"To date, there has not been a
documented spotted lanternfly infestation in New York, but I encourage the
public to stay aware and be ready to report egg masses or other signs of this
insect to help prevent infestations," said DEC Commissioner Basil
Seggos. "DEC continues to work proactively with our partners at the
State Department of Agriculture and Markets to keep spotted lanternfly out of
New York State through outreach, education, and tracking locations where this
destructive invasive pest has the most potential to affect the state's
agricultural and tourism industries."
State Agriculture Commissioner
Richard A. Ball said, "Infestations of this pest
could wreak havoc on New York's agricultural industry, especially the forestry
industry and the specialty crops that our State is known for. We will continue
inspections, enforcement of the quarantine regulations, and outreach, and ask
farmers, outdoor enthusiasts and all New Yorkers to also remain alert and watch
for signs of Spotted Lanternfly egg masses, which can survive through the
winter."
SLF, an invasive insect from Asia,
is a destructive pest that feeds on the sap of more than 70 plant species
including tree-of-heaven, maples, apple trees, grapevine, and hops. In infested
areas, feeding by sometimes thousands of SLF can stress plants, making them
vulnerable to disease and attacks from other insects. SLF excrete large amounts
of sticky "honeydew," which attracts sooty molds that interfere with
plant photosynthesis, negatively affecting the growth and fruit yield of
plants. The accumulation of honeydew under infestations, along with the swarms
of insects it attracts, can also significantly hinder outdoor activities.
While these insects can jump and fly
short distances, these pests spread primarily through human activity. SLF lay
their eggs starting in the fall on surfaces including vehicles, stone, rusty
metal, outdoor furniture, and campers, and can hitch rides to new areas when
these objects are moved. Egg masses are one-inch-long and are often smooth and
brownish-gray with a shiny, waxy coating when first laid. Over time, egg masses
become brown and scaly.
SLF was first discovered in
Pennsylvania in 2014, and has since been found in New Jersey, Delaware,
Maryland, and Virginia. Given the proximity of the Pennsylvania and New Jersey
infestations, there is a high risk of SLF becoming established in New York. DEC
and DAM have not confirmed any SLF infestations to date, but several individual
adult SLF have been found in counties across New York including: Delaware;
Albany; Yates, Westchester, Suffolk, New York, Kings, Monroe, Chemung, Erie,
Ontario, Ulster, Nassau, Sullivan, and Orange.
To slow the spread of SLF, DAM
issued an "external" quarantine that restricts the movement of goods
brought into New York from quarantined areas in Delaware, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. The external quarantine requires
regulated articles, such as packing materials, landscaping and construction
equipment, and nursery stock - including Christmas trees - to have certificates
of inspection issued from the impacted states. Inspections are conducted across
New York by DAM and its partners to check for SLF and compliance with the
regulations. Visit DAM's website for more information and for a list of regulated articles.
Assistance from the public is
crucial in limiting the movement of SLF and protecting New York's natural
resources. DEC and DAM are urging the public to inspect outdoor items such as
vehicles, outdoor furniture and camping equipment for egg masses or insects,
and report any sightings by sending photos and location information to spottedlanternfly@dec.ny.gov.
Anyone that visits locations of SLF quarantines in other states should look for
and remove insects and egg masses on items before leaving those areas. For more
information, please visit DEC's spotted lanternfly webpage.