Spotted lanternflies are once again active across New York as the invasive insects reach their adult stage during the summer.
The pest, first detected in New York City in 2019 after arriving in Pennsylvania in 2014, has since spread to dozens of counties across the state, according to Cornell Integrated Pest Management.
Native to Asia, spotted lanternflies are harmless to people but can cause significant damage to vineyards, orchards, forests and other plants.
"Spotted lanternflies generally travel by being transported by people," Jacob Lesser, an extension and outreach specialist with Cornell Integrated Pest Management, said.
"Cars are a very common method, or trains. We are seeing lanternflies lay eggs on things like pallets, for example, or camping
supplies. Then those eggs aren't detected, they get transported, and the next spring, those hatch."
Here's what to know.
Why are spotted lanternflies a problem?
Spotted lanternflies feed on sap from more than 100 species of plants. Their preferred host is the invasive tree-of-heaven, but they also feed on grapes, hops, maple trees, apple trees, birch and other plants found throughout New York.
As they feed, the insects leave behind a sticky, sugary waste called honeydew that promotes the growth of sooty mold. The mold can block sunlight, reduce photosynthesis and weaken or kill plants.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation says spotted lanternflies threaten agriculture, forests and outdoor recreation.
Adult spotted lanternflies are about 1 inch long and one-half inch wide, with gray wings covered in black spots and bright red hind wings. They are most commonly seen from late July through the fall.
How do spotted lanternflies spread?
Spotted lanternflies spread primarily by hitchhiking on vehicles and outdoor equipment rather than by flying long distances.
Females lay egg masses on a variety of surfaces, including:
- Vehicles
- Campers and trailers
- Boats
- Pallets
- Firewood
- Outdoor furniture
- Camping equipment
Each egg mass can contain 30 to 60 eggs, allowing infestations to spread quickly when the eggs are unknowingly transported.
Where have spotted lanternflies been found in New York?
As of 2026, several counties have confirmed infestations or reported sightings. An infested county does not mean every community within that county has established populations.
New York City and Long Island
Confirmed infestations:
- Bronx
- Kings (Brooklyn)
- Nassau
- New York (Manhattan)
- Queens
- Richmond (Staten Island)
- Suffolk
Confirmed sightings:
- None
Hudson Valley and Catskills
Confirmed infestations:
- Columbia
- Dutchess
- Greene
- Orange
- Putnam
- Rockland
- Sullivan
- Ulster
- Westchester
Confirmed sightings:
- Delaware
- Otsego
Western New York
Confirmed infestations:
- Erie
- Livingston
- Monroe
- Ontario
Confirmed sightings:
- None
Finger Lakes and Southern Tier
Confirmed infestations:
- Broome
- Schuyler
- Seneca
- Tioga
- Tompkins
Confirmed sightings:
- Cayuga
- Chemung
- Cortland
- Oswego
- Yates
Capital Region and Mohawk Valley
Confirmed infestations:
- Albany
- Rensselaer
- Schenectady
Confirmed sightings:
- Herkimer
North Country
No confirmed infestations or sightings have been reported.
What should you do if you find a spotted lanternfly?
Cornell Integrated Pest Management recommends:
- Take a photo of the insect or egg mass.
- Record the date and exact location where it was found.
- Report the sighting to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets through its Spotted Lanternfly Public Sighting Report Form or by emailing spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov.
- Include a ruler or coin in photos to show scale, if possible.
If practical, officials also recommend collecting the insect for identification by placing it in rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer or a freezer.
How can New Yorkers help stop the spread?
State officials encourage residents to inspect vehicles and outdoor equipment before traveling, especially if visiting areas with known infestations.
Check items such as:
- Cars and trucks
- Boats
- Campers and trailers
- Outdoor furniture
- Firewood
- Lawn equipment
- Camping gear
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Spotted lanternflies in NY: Counties with confirmed infestations, sightings in 2026
