Still Gotta Kill ‘em

Spotted lanternfly nymphs and adults are everywhere

Illustration of an adult spotted lanterfly – many of these will reach this stage in August.

Invasive species experts are expecting spotted lanternflies (SLF) will be seen in larger numbers than last year. In addition, due to the warm winter, they are hatching and developing sooner. North Brooklynites have sounded the alert that SPF nymphs are everywhere, and to kill, kill, kill them.

Illustration of a fourth instar phase spotted lanternfly

I’ve seen two SLF nymphs of the fourth instar phase (the last phase before they get big and sprout wings) in mid-July. I killed both. One was hopping on the corner of North 6^th Street and Bedford Avenue, the other hopped on my calf from a Bedford Avenue tree bed on North 5^th Street. I shook it off, got ready to stomp it, and leapt to my calf again and held on in a sort of hug like an affectionate lady bug. The SLF nymphs have a similar appearance to the well-adored beetle but bumpier and more angular. I shook it off again and stomped on it two or three times until I was sure it was smashed. They aren’t easy to kill. I still feel a bit guilty. It was just starting out in life.

Although this is an invasive species with no natural predators, experts from New York State Integrated Pest Management (NYSIPM) at Cornell University, predict when these bugs hit a peak, populations decline after a time.

The borough to watch would be Staten Island, as they will be the first to experience a SLF population decline.

According to the NYSIPM Interactive Spotted Lanternfly Map NYC and the surrounding area is at infestation level.

Although they don’t carry disease or harm most types of trees, they do harm grape vines. New York State is third in the country for grape yield. In addition to grapevines SLF favor these tree species: tree of heaven, willow, maple, poplar, pine, and these fruit trees (apple, plum, apricot, nectarine, peach, cherry).

Remember, the smaller they are: the less messy and easier they are to kill. For larger infestations of adult SLFs you can use a vacuum. Most don’t survive the vacuuming process, but be wary of survivors when you empty the vacuum. Recommended insecticides for SLF found on this list are preferred over home remedies such as diluted dish soap. Home remedies should be avoided as they can kill good bugs (such as lady bugs) and burn plants according to this Penn State University article.