Spotted lanternfly swarms raise concerns for LI vineyards
Entomologists say the pest continues to move east, putting vineyards on alert as growers prepare for one of the most important times of the year.
As grape harvest season gets underway on Long Island's East End, winemakers are keeping a close watch on a growing threat: the spotted lanternfly.
The invasive insect, which has spread across parts of New York in recent years, is becoming increasingly visible across Long Island. News 12 recently spotted lanternflies in downtown Riverhead, at a park in Bay Shore and outside the station's Bethpage studio.
Entomologists say the pest continues to move east, putting vineyards on alert as growers prepare for one of the most important times of the year.
"We have not seen spotted lanternfly yet at the vineyard here in Peconic," said Robin Epperson-McCarthy, winemaker at Osprey's Dominion. "But we know they're in Mattituck. We know that they're swarming in Mattituck, so right now we're in an observation mode."
The spotted lanternfly feeds on plant sap, drawing nutrients from vines and other crops. Experts say the feeding can weaken plants and reduce the sugars grapes need to fully ripen.
"They'll actually sort of suck the life out of them," Epperson-McCarthy added.
Dan Gilrein, an entomologist with Cornell Cooperative Extension, said the insects can be difficult to spot because they blend in with tree bark.
"You can see they're fairly well camouflaged on the bark there," Gilrein said.
While many residents crush lanternflies when they see them, Gilrein said there are other options for controlling large numbers of the insects.
"We're suggesting you could scoop them up with a shop vac or backpack vacuum if that's what you have on hand," he said. "That might be one way to deal with them."
Winemakers say prevention is also critical. Removing egg masses before they hatch can help slow the spread of the invasive species.
"Anything we can do to make it easier to grow grapes and get wine to you guys, we're going to do," Epperson-McCarthy said.
For more information about spotted lanternflies and how to control them, visit Cornell University's Integrated Pest Management website.
