Spotted Lanternfly Arrives In Garden City; Insect Can Harm Plant Life

GARDEN CITY, NY — An invasive pest has made its way into Garden City. The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) has been spotted on several trees outside of the Village Water Works building. The insect was also seen recently near the senior center and the recreation center at St. Paul's, the office of Mayor Mary Flanagan Carter office said.

Residents are asked to keep an eye out for the Lanternfly (see photo). If spotted, the village said you should kill it and report it to the New York State Department of Agriculture: www.agriculture.ny.gov/reports...

The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive insect from Asia that primarily feeds on a wide variety of plants such as grapevine, hops, maple, walnut and fruit trees. This insect could impact New York's forests as well as the agricultural and tourism industries, the mayor said.

The first infestation of the SLF in New York was discovered on Staten Island in Aug. 2020.

A plan has been developed that describes how the agencies will detect and prevent further
spread of SLF in New York. It includes the use of extensive trapping in high-risk
areas and inspections of nursery stock and commercial transports.