The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM), in collaboration with the Lake Erie Regional Grape Program (LERGP), has launched a coordinated initiative to conduct grid searches for the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) in Ripley, New York, and surrounding areas. This joint effort aims to protect the region’s grape industry from potential damage caused by the pest.
Jennier Phillips Russo, LERGP Team Leader, stated, “Protecting our growers is at the heart of our land-grant mission. By combining local expertise with State resources, these structured grid surveys allow us to detect any presence of Spotted Lanternfly quickly and respond decisively. We want growers and community partners to know we are on it—methodically, transparently, and with urgency.”
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball added, “Thanks to the collaboration with our partners at the Lake Erie Regional Grape Program, we are able to ensure a thorough and rapid response to reports of SLF in the area. While we continue our work to manage SLF, we are focused on doing all we can to protect the grape and wine economy in this region.”
The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive insect that targets grapevines and other plants. Its feeding habits produce honeydew that encourages sooty mold growth, which can reduce plant health and fruit quality while causing economic losses. Early detection is key to limiting its spread.
Teams from AGM’s Division of Plant Industry and LERGP have carried out systematic visual surveys across high-risk areas such as vineyard edges, transportation corridors, rail lines, warehouse zones, and locations where Tree-of-Heaven—a preferred host—is present. The surveys included looking for all life stages of SLF: egg masses through adults. Data collected was mapped in real time for effective follow-up actions.
This initiative draws upon research-based practices from the land-grant system alongside state regulatory capabilities. Partners have committed to focus on early detection and reporting; sharing timely information with growers; providing guidance on sanitation measures; and helping reduce accidental transport of SLF.
Residents and growers are encouraged to learn how to identify SLF at various life stages—such as gray egg masses during winter or adults with spotted wings from late summer onward—and take steps like inspecting vehicles or equipment before moving them. Suspect sightings should be reported promptly via AGM’s online channels or through local extension offices at ReportSLF.com.
Phillips Russo emphasized ongoing cooperation: “Collaboration like this makes a real difference,” she said. “Our growers can be confident that monitoring is thorough, the science is sound, and the response is coordinated. We will continue to communicate what we find and what it means for vineyard management.”
For further updates or recommendations about managing SLF infestations, stakeholders can contact LERGP or consult resources available through AGM’s website.
Adult Spotted Lanternflies are about one inch long with distinctive wings visible between July and December when they become active breeders. Their eggs are laid in segmented rows covered by a putty-like substance that changes color as it dries; these may be found on protected surfaces including vehicles or outdoor items.
Residents are asked to scrape egg masses off surfaces using cards or similar tools before placing them into bags containing rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer for disposal—each mass contains up to 50 eggs that could hatch if left untreated.
Since first being detected in New York on Staten Island in 2020, state agencies—including DEC and IPM—have partnered with organizations such as USDA, Cornell Cooperative Extension network https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension, Department of Transportation https://www.dot.ny.gov/, Thruway Authority http://www.thruway.ny.gov/, Office of Parks Recreation & Historic Preservation https://parks.ny.gov/—to monitor SLF presence statewide so that affected parties remain informed about best management practices.
Invasive insects cause over $70 billion annually in economic losses across the United States; projections suggest unchecked spread of SLF could cost New York State up to $300 million each year due largely to threats against its third-ranked national grape/wine industry.
The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program provides research-based support for vineyard productivity throughout western New York via education initiatives under Cornell Cooperative Extension https://cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. More details about identifying or managing SLF are available through both AGM’s website https://agriculture.ny.gov/spottedlanternfly and Cornell CALS IPM online resources.
