DEC Warns Of Invasive Insect Seen In New York
The spotted lanternfly was originated in Asia and was first discovered in the US in Pennslyvania back in 2014.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued a statewide warning for the invasive species called the spotted lanternfly. In a press release published by the DEC, they noted that a dead spotted lanternfly was found in New York in fall of last year. Since that was found, the DEC says efforts to find the insect have increased.
The spotted lanternfly is a true pest because it feeds on more than 70 kinds of plant species, including maples, apple trees, and hops. If the infestation continues to grow, these insects could wreak havoc on New York's largest and most economically important crops, according to the release.
These are some common signs of a spotted lanternfly infestation:
- Sap oozing or weeping from open wounds on tree trunks, which appear wet and give off fermented odors
- 1-inch long egg masses that are brownish-gray, waxy and mud-like when new. Old egg masses are brown and scaly
- Massive honeydew build-up under plants, sometimes with black sooty mold
If you find a spotted lanternfly, the DEC asks that you take a picture, note the location, and report it to email@example.com.