Spotted Lanternfly in Columbia County

Be on the lookout!!

Spotted lanternflies, an introduced insect originally native to Asia, have been seen in Columbia County. While these insects do not bite or sting, they feed on crops such as grapes and can be a nuisance due to their sheer numbers.

Why is the spotted lanternfly harmful?

Spotted lanternflies are most concerning because of their effect on orchards, vineyards, and hardwood trees. Because these insects are not native to Columbia County, they lack natural predators to keep their population in check.

Looking for a way to help out? Read on for actions to take!

Stomp, report, repeat

Stomp on Sight

Report

Help control the population of spotted lanternflies by stomping and scraping:

• Identify the fly: Get familiar with the appearance of spotted lanternflies and their egg masses.

  
  

• For flies: For single flies, stomping with your foot will do the trick! For larger infestations, a variety of traps can be used.

  
  

• For egg masses: Egg masses can be found on any hard surface. When discovered, scrape the egg mass into a resealable bag containing rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill the eggs.

See a spotted lanternfly in Columbia County? Follow these steps:

• Snap a photo. Take a picture of the insect, egg masses, and/or infestation signs. If possible, include an object for scale, like a coin or ruler.

• File a report. Send your photo to spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov with the location of your sighting or fill out the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets form.

• Stomp, if you haven’t already! Once you’ve taken a photo, kill the insect by stomping or crushing.

We can all play a role in preventing spotted lanternflies from spreading! Spotted lanternflies of all stages are known to hitch rides with humans, but adults and egg masses are the most commonly moved.

Spend time in an area infested with spotted lanternflies? Before heading home, run through this checklist of common areas where egg masses, adults, and nymphs hide.

This notification brought to you by the Columbia Land Conservancy.