Invasive spotted lanternfly seen in Orange, Rockland and Westchester counties

The spotted lanternfly is from Southeast Asia, and first appeared in Pennsylvania in 2015.

News 12 Staff

Aug 26, 2021, 12:41 AM

Updated 1,196 days ago

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There's a new invasive insect that has recently been discovered in the Hudson Valley after wreaking havoc on farmers across the U.S. for years.
The spotted lanternfly is from Southeast Asia, and first appeared in Pennsylvania in 2015.
It has been spotted in Orange, Rockland and Westchester counties.
The lanternfly is considered so dangerous because it targets the sap of grapevines, fruit trees and many other plants -- often destroying them.
Officials from the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County say beware - and be on the lookout.
Officials say if you see a spotted lanternfly, you should kill it - and then send it to the DEC.
The experts stress the lanternfly does not pose any danger to human beings, but an infestation could certainly suck the life out of your fruit gardens.