I’ve spotted a lanternfly - now what?
An invasive new planthopper, spotted lanternfly is now well-established around much of central and western Long Island, including western Suffolk, Nassau, Queens and Brooklyn. If you haven’t seen it in this area yet, you probably will soon!
If you see it in the region, what should you do?
- Don’t worry! The spotted lanternfly isn’t dangerous to people or animals, doesn’t damage structures and can’t survive or breed in homes. It isn’t a killer of landscape plants either, though high numbers stress plants and are an annoyance.
- You can collect the insect in a vial of rubbing alcohol or take a (clear) photo and report the sighting here
NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets is already aware of its prevalence across central and western Long Island, so no need to report findings in these areas. The department's primary focus lies in collecting fresh updates specifically from eastern Long Island, including areas like Yaphank and farther east.
After you have reported SLF in your area and collected a sample, you should kill any additional SLF you see by stepping on it or crushing it.
Learn more about the spotted lanternfly and how to manage it
