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The return of the spotted lanternfly? How to manage the invasive species

There are more ways to control this invasive species since it was first spotted in New York in 2020 according to the state's Department of Environmental Conservation.

Diane Caruso

Jul 21, 2025, 5:36 PM

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You may have noticed the return of the spotted lanternfly or "SLF" recently.

There are more ways to control this invasive species since it was first spotted in New York in 2020, according to the state's Department of Environmental Conservation.

The spotted lanternfly is known to cause damage to crops and other plants.

News 12 spoke with Michael Wilson about the bug. He works with the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Rockland County as the horticultural lab manager.

Wilson says there has been a slight change in the population although a true difference won't be seen for a few years.

“It is shrinking slowly. We are beginning to get there as people are now starting to treat them when they see them," says Wilson.

Wilson says besides pesticides and insecticides, the SLF is said to be facing predators like the praying mantis, stink bugs, and even birds like cardinals.

This website from Cornell has other suggestions on how to manage the bug.

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