Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive species. It does not bite or sting but is having an economic impact on New York State agriculture. SLF feed exclusively on plants outdoors and can only survive for about 48 hours without feeding on a plant. They can be a nuisance because of their sheer numbers.
While the list of spotted lanternfly host plants is long, the greatest agricultural concern falls on grapes. Researchers estimate that, if left unchecked, the spotted lanternfly – which decimated vineyards in Pennsylvania when it arrived in 2014 – could cause significant economic losses to the New York state grape industry. New York state is the third-largest wine producer in the country and a significant producer of juice grapes. All told, the state’s grape industry generated approximately $15 billion in 2022 and comprises nearly 470 wineries and 900 vineyards, attracting 5 million visitors annually.
Tree-of-heaven (TOH), or sometimes called "Ailanthus," is an invasive, pervasive and problematic tree. TOH, or "Ailanthus," is the preferred host of fourth instar and adult spotted lanternfly. When spotted lanternfly occurs in a new area the adults are most likely to be found on a tree-of-heaven. However the feeding behavior varies depending on life stage.
Join this webinar to learn what you need to know about SLF, Grapes, and TOH in the Finger Lakes.
Brian Eshenaur, Associate Director, Invasive Species IPM Coordinator, Cornell Integrated Pest Management; Hans Walter-Peterson, Viticulture Extension Specialist, Cornell Cooperative Extension; Emily Rojik, Penn State Extension Educator, Forestry and Wildlife Team; Lydia Martin, Finger Lakes PRISM, Terrestrial Invasive Species Program Manager