The RV is packed, the camper is hitched and you’re ready to head home after one more weekend outdoors. As you take one last look around your campsite, it’s easy to focus on the road ahead—but this is also the moment to pause and check your vehicle and gear.
Spotted lanternfly adults, nymphs and egg masses can hitch a ride on vehicles, trailers and outdoor equipment. Taking a few minutes to inspect what you’re bringing with you can help prevent this invasive insect from reaching a new area.
What's The Issue?
The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive insect that can devastate New York’s agricultural and tourism industries and threatens our forests. This invasive planthopper feeds on over 100 different plant species. There is concern about the impacts that SLF will have on economical cash crops with grapes, hops, and tree fruits having the highest risk.
SLF feeds in large numbers and excretes honeydew that attracts sooty molds; these molds interfere with plant photosynthesis and impact crop growth and yields. The honeydew puts off a foul odor and attracts stinging insects which can restrict your enjoyment of parks and your own backyard if SLF is present.
SLF was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014 and despite quarantine efforts, it has since spread to several states along the Northeast including parts of New York state (view SLF distribution map).
The spotted lanternfly has a high spread potential, as the insect lays its eggs on nearly any flat surface, and adults and nymphs can easily hitchhike on vehicles; therefore, those traveling from areas where SLF is present can easily and unknowingly spread SLF to new areas.
What You Can Do to Help
Before leaving an area where spotted lanternfly is present—or before entering the SLELO region—check your vehicle and anything you are transporting for SLF adults, nymphs and egg masses.
Be sure to inspect:
- Grilles, bumpers, wheel wells and tires
- Campers, RVs, trailers and roof racks
- Boats and recreational equipment
- Camping gear, coolers and outdoor furniture
- Firewood, building materials and items stored outdoors
SLF egg masses can be laid on almost any hard surface, including wood, plastic and metal. Moving an outdoor item with an unnoticed egg mass is one of the ways SLF can reach a new location.
If you find a suspected SLF adult, nymph or egg mass:
- Take clear photos. If possible, include a coin, ruler or another familiar object to show its size.
- Record the location. Note the address, nearby landmarks or GPS coordinates.
- Destroy the insect or egg mass when feasible. This is especially important if it is found on a vehicle or piece of equipment before traveling.
- Report the observation to iMapInvasives or directly to the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
- Collect the insect, if possible. Place it in a sealed bag and freeze it, or place it in a container with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Do not transport live insects.
You can also help spread the word by using the pre-made social media graphics available at the bottom of this blog.
- Take pictures of the insect, egg masses, or infestation you see and, if possible, include something for size, such as a coin or ruler.
- If possible, collect the insect. Place in a bag and freeze, or in a jar with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
- If feasible destroy the insect/egg mass especially before traveling if found on a vehicle.
- Report findings to NYiMapInvasives.org, fill out a Sighting Form, or email spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov.
What to Look For
Spotted lanternfly looks different throughout its life cycle:
- Early-stage nymphs are black with white spots.
- Later-stage nymphs are red and black with white spots.
- Adults are approximately one inch long and half an inch wide. They have grayish forewings with black spots and red, black and white hindwings.
- Egg masses are approximately one inch long. Newly laid egg masses often have a smooth, brownish-gray, waxy coating. As they age, they may appear brown, dry and cracked.
Nymphs generally hatch during the spring and early summer. Adults typically begin appearing around late July in New York. In the fall, adults lay egg masses that remain in place throughout the winter.
Other signs of a possible SLF infestation include:
- Large amounts of sticky honeydew beneath plants
- Black sooty mold growing on plants or nearby surfaces
- Sap oozing or weeping from wounds on host plants
- A fermented odor around heavily infested plants
- Groups of SLF gathering on tree trunks or other surfaces
Tree of heaven is an invasive tree and the preferred host of spotted lanternfly. If you encounter tree of heaven, check its trunk, branches and surrounding surfaces for SLF adults, nymphs and egg masses.
Tree of heaven can resemble native trees such as sumac and black walnut, so proper identification is important. It also resprouts aggressively when cut and should not be removed without an appropriate management plan.
Join Us: Spotted Lanternfly Identification and Reporting Workshop
When: Friday, August 21, 2026, from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Where: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Participants will learn:
- How to identify SLF at every stage of its life cycle
- How to identify tree of heaven, its preferred host
- Where SLF has been detected across New York State
- How to report sightings using iMapInvasives Survey123
- How to support early detection by adopting public areas to monitor for SLF and tree of heaven
Participants should register in advance to receive important meeting information and instructions for setting up the community science tools used during the workshop.
Tools to Get Started
Managing Spotted Lanternfly Flyer
Use this New York State Integrated Pest Management resource to review the SLF life cycle and learn about egg-mass removal, trapping, vacuuming and other management options.
Help spread the word by using these pre-made social media graphics and captions on your social media channels! To download, right-click over the image to save it and then upload it onto your favorite social media platform.
Virtual Toolboxes
Visit the Protector’s Virtual Toolboxes below to access resources themed for each category, and to learn more about how to protect your favorite outdoor spaces from invasive species.
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