Long Island's spotted lanternfly alarm: Vineyards under threat

In the Long Island region, the increasingly numerous invasive spotted lanternfly (spotted lanternfly) alarmed local vineyard owners during the grape harvest season in New York.

The spread of the insects eastward across Long Island is raising concerns, especially in the East End where grape production is dense. The insects have also been sighted in the Riverhead downtown, a park in Bay Shore, and around Bethpage.

The risk to vineyards is growing.

The spotted lanternfly, an invasive species of Asian origin, feeds on plant sap. According to entomologists at Cornell University, the insect can reduce the nutrients the plant needs by feeding on grape vines. This can negatively affect vine development and grape ripening.

The concern of Long Island vineyard owners is that the insects become adults precisely during the harvest period and become more mobile. According to Cornell's current management recommendations, adult spotted lanternflies appear from the end of July and can continue to arrive from surrounding areas until after the harvest. Therefore, regular inspection of the vineyards is essential.

The insects are spreading eastward.

Robin Epperson-McCarthy, a representative of the wine producer Osprey’s Dominion in the Peconic area, told News 12 that a dense infestation of spotted lanternfly had not yet been seen in the vineyards, but the insects were present in the Mattituck area and were seen in swarms at some locations.

This situation signals that grape growers on the east side of Long Island will need to monitor the invasive species more closely in the coming period.

Cornell University also notes that the spotted lanternfly poses a significant agricultural threat to grape production in New York. According to experts, the insect can feed on a wide range of plant species, including grape, walnut, mint, maple, and apple.

Experts warn grape growers to monitor closely.

Cornell’s integrated pest management specialists emphasize the importance of keeping the spotted lanternfly population low in vineyards. They recommend continuing regular inspections even after harvest, because adult insects can be transported from surrounding areas into the vines.

It is noted that human transport also plays a significant role in the spread of the insect. Adult insects and egg masses can cling to vehicles, equipment, and other surfaces, being carried to new areas.

Experts note that cleaning up, especially when egg clusters are detected, could help slow the spread. In dense insect populations, mechanical methods such as vacuuming also fall among management options.

Growing threat to New York agriculture

The spotted lanternfly in New York is no longer seen only as a visual nuisance or an invasive insect around homes. Cornell Cooperative Extension says the species poses an economic risk to New York agriculture and that monitoring and control efforts are especially important for protecting grape production.

Winemakers on Long Island, meanwhile, try to protect grape vines by closely monitoring insect populations during the harvest season.