The spotted lanternfly populations in New York City continue to pose a challenge, with no effective management strategies available for elimination. Researchers emphasize that the focus is not on eradication but rather on controlling and slowing the spread of the pest. The insect, first found in Pennsylvania, has recently increased in sightings, particularly affecting grape farmers. Monitoring and reporting sightings will aid in managing the spread. Public participation in tracking sightings is encouraged to help mitigate impact on local agriculture, especially vineyards.
"We know that it isn't going to eliminate them, really. To be perfectly frank, all of the management options that we have on the table right now are not going to eliminate spotted lanternfly."
"This is not, at this time, an eradication program. It hasn't been for quite some time. It's really more of a slow-the-spread program."
"Keeping track of the insect is the best way to help protect vineyards. Reporting has been very helpful because this is an insect that is pretty easy to identify."
"When somebody sees it in an area where it's not known to occur, we ask them, if possible, to take a picture first and then stomp on it."
Collection
[
|
...
]