Stomp the Spotted Lantern Fly: As invasive insect pops up statewide, U.S. Senator Schumer reveals plan to squash the pesky bug

Nearly every region in New York State has confirmed reports of the Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF), an invasive, pesky insect that poses significant threat to certain state crops, including vineyards and wineries.

This update is according to U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (NY-D) and he says if the bug isn’t contained quickly, it could end up costing the state big bucks.

“For years now, I have warned about the pest, but now we are demanding action because pockets of Upstate New York are now infested by the invasive bug that wreaks havoc on trees, vineyards and crops,” Schumer said.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer Image.

“This is a multi-million dollar threat to New York’s economy-- both tourism and agriculture are now at risk if the spotted lanternfly goes unchecked.”

Schumer urged the USDA to tap federal funds from an account he has supported with over $200 million dollars to contain the SLF. Schumer said these funds can be used by New York’s “Integrated Pest Management Program,” and that there is still time to contain the Spotted Lanternfly’s serious threat to New York.

Schumer also said fed funds can be used for education and eradication as he made the case for to deliver an additional $22 million in the upcoming fed budget to deal with invasives like the SLF.

According to the New York State DEC, the Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive pest from Asia that primarily feeds on tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) but can also feed on a wide variety of plants such as grapevine, hops, maple, walnut, fruit trees and others.

In the US, SLF was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since been found in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and New York.

We asked if the Tug Hill Estate has had any recent issues with the pest, and their answer was not yet at this point. 

Images courtesy via the New York State DEC.