This Invasive Creature Will Devastate New York; See It? Destroy It Immediately

New York's apple and grape industry generates a combined $354 million dollars in revenue a year. To think that an invasive insect, about the size of a quarter, could wipe out that industry is staggering. Beware, the Spotted Lanternfly is in New York and must be killed.

Now is the time to act and this is what you need to do.

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It's still early to see the Spotted Lanternfly itself so now is the time to act by destroying the egg masses that you might find on your trees, plants or any hard surface around the yard. Here's what to do when you see this goo.

Use a credit card, putty knife or anything similar to scrape the egg masses off the surface. This will require some force and it's suggested that you will need to listen for the eggs to pop so you know you are successful.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Spotted Lanternfly is also attracted to hops, maple, walnut and pose a significant threat to New York's forest health. These insects excrete large amounts of sticky "honeydew," which attracts molds and could stunt the production of plants.

The Spotted Lanternfly has been able to spread quickly by hitching a ride with US! They tend to lay eggs on vehicles, firewood, outdoor furniture and when we move these items, the eggs move too. According to the New York State DEC, they can jump and fly short distances. Let's get them before they hatch!