Plans to combat the Spotted Lanternfly

ALBANY, N.Y. (WHEC) – On Monday, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Director for Plant Industry, Chris Logue, was available to discuss the State’s efforts to combat the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive pest that can be devastating to New York agriculture.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is asking for the public’s help in combatting the Spotted Lanternfly.

The Spotted Lanternfly feeds on more than 70 plant species, including grapes, apples and hops—all critical to New York’s agricultural economy and the Finger Lakes wine region.

Monday at noon, the Department of Agriculture gave an update on its plans to fight the destructive insect.

First found in New York State on Staten Island in August 2020, the population has been observed in all NYC boroughs, Long Island, Port Jervis, Sloatsburg, Orangeburg, Ithaca, and Binghamton.

The Department is working closely with its partners on the state and federal level on measures to combat the population, control its spread to other areas of New York State, and protect New York’s agricultural crops.

More information on the Spotted Lanternfly can be found on the DEC’s website, by clicking here.