Lantern Flies Make a Comeback in New York

It seems the battle against lantern flies isn’t over yet. Last year, New York officials were optimistic about their success, but the invasive insects are making a notable return. Authorities have even resumed encouraging residents to squash these pests, reviving the well-known “stomp-out” campaign.

The range of plants these insects can thrive on is extensive, combined with their ability to survive through various life stages. This combination, along with their sheer population size, indicates it’s a tough challenge ahead.

“We will likely continue to see lantern flies in the future. Expanding our efforts is key,” an official noted. Trampling these pests, or relying solely on pesticides, isn’t enough to eradicate them completely.

The approach has shifted. Once an urgent war against these invaders was declared in 2023, civilians were empowered to squish them as a form of resistance. This campaign gained traction quickly, even drawing in children armed with heavy shoes and vinegar bottles to hunt them down.

As of now, these pests have been found in 26 out of New York’s 62 counties, but a lot of attention is directed towards the northwestern area where vineyards are at risk from the lantern fly population. The bugs can live up to five months longer than their initial presence, complicating efforts further.

Interestingly, just ten months ago, experts from Cornell University reported a decrease in their number, attributing this success to Operation Squish. One Cornell specialist expressed optimism about a reduction in numbers last September.

However, recent observations suggest what might be perceived as a reduction could simply be part of the overall population dynamics. These pests can exhaust their food sources in one area and then migrate to new spots abundant with resources.

Despite efforts in New York, most pest management focuses on regions outside the city, particularly in areas with crops at risk. There’s little being done in urban locales since crops aren’t directly threatened. Residents are advised to take matters into their own hands and work on removing egg clusters in the fall, avoiding inadvertently carrying pests during road trips.

On a brighter note, there are signs that some local wildlife, like birds and bats, are starting to feast on lantern flies. The AGS and market officials are encouraging New Yorkers in the northwestern regions to report sightings so that state efforts can be effectively directed.

“If people want to keep stamping them out, we’re not going to discourage that,” the official concluded.