The Spotted Latern fly is an invasive species and can cause significant damage to wooded areas and agriculture like fruit trees on Long Island. The biggest concern is is Long Island's grape and wine industry. The fly has been widely reported this year on Long Island. Here's how you can help.

How You Can Help

• Watch the video below an learn how to identify SLF.

• Inspect outdoor items such as firewood, vehicles, and furniture for egg masses.

• If you visit other states with SLF, be sure to check all equipment and gear before leaving. Scrape off any egg masses.

• Destroy egg masses by scraping them into a bucket of hot, soapy water or a baggie/jar of hand sanitizer.

More about this little pest

Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) or SLF, is an invasive insect pest from Asia that primarily feeds on trees of heaven (Alianthus altissima) but can also feed on a wide variety of plants such as grapevine, hops, maple, walnut, and fruit trees. While the full impacts of SLF are unknown, the insect will negatively impact the agricultural and tourism industries and may impact New York's forests.

In the US, SLF was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014 and was found in New York in 2020.

The first New York State infestation was discovered in Staten Island in August 2020 (leaves DEC website). Visit Cornell's Integrated Pest Management site for an up-to-date map of current infestation locations in the Northeast, including New York (leaves DEC website).

For more information:

• Description

• Risk to the State of New York

• How SLF Spreads

• Signs of an Infestation

• Current Control Efforts

• How You Can Help

• Resources

  • Including SLF fact sheet, SLF look-alikes poster, and important links