We hate to break it to ya but not only will this summer be way hotter and rainier than usual, but it looks like we’ll also be cozying up to the bugs–not only are billions of buzzing cicadas getting ready to emerge from the ground, but the invasive spotted lanternflies are expected to make their return to NYC in full force. Better start planning your Euro summer now!
Though we got a bit of a break from the creepy crawlies and flying insects last summer–there was a bit of a decline in the lanternfly population for unknown reasons–experts are warning us to prepare for a massive uptick of these pests that are, unfortunately, already hatching in droves. And we believe them because, we don’t know about you, but we’ve already killed quite a few babies ourselves over in Astoria.
After finding a vineyard in Berks County, Pennsylvania covered in roughly 1,700 lanternfly egg masses per row (compared to nearly none the year prior) experts discovered they began hatching earlier this May around the Tri-State area–two weeks earlier than usual. And they’re suspecting the heat trapped by the city’s buildings has something to do with it.
In fact, a World Population Review tracker found that as of April 11th spotted lanternflies and their egg masses have been found throughout 17 states so far, including Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The invasive insects are detrimental to our ecosystem and agriculture as they’ll literally eat through any sort of vegetation they see, from fruit trees to the vegetable garden on your stoop. Their main food source, however, is the Tree of Heaven, a leafy green plant which is responsible for how hard they return each summer–if they’re eating up the their main food source one year there will be none left the next year, causing a decline in their population.
As for what to do if you come across the nasty insect yourself, residents are urged to look out for them and kill any you see.
It’s especially important to keep an eye out for egg masses (which are typically found on trees, rocks, outdoor furniture, and cars) and destroy them before they hatch–the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture stated:
Every spotted lanternfly egg mass you scrape and squash is 30-50 damage-causing insects that won’t hatch in May.
Here’s more info on the spotted lanternfly, from what they look like and how to identify them to what to do if you come across one. And remember, “If you see it, squish it!”