WHAT: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and Department of Environmental Conservation officials and experts from Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Integrated Pest Management program will join together to provide an update on the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) in New York State and answer questions from the public and the media.

The live presentations will include tips for residents on how to manage the invasive pest on their property, how to check cars and belongings for SLF before and after travel to areas where SLF is established, and a presentation of the Department of Agriculture and Markets’ new use of drones to inspect for SLF.

WHEN: Thursday, August 1, 2024, 10:30 am and 11:00 am

WHERE: 10:30 am: Instagram Live presentation on @nyagandmkts and @nysdec’s pages

11:00 am: Facebook Live presentation on @nyagandmarkets and @nysdec’s pages

*Media is invited to ask questions following the 11:00 Facebook Live presentation.*

*Video from the Facebook Live presentation will be made available to media following the event.*

WHO: Christopher Logue, Director of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Division of Plant Industry

Michael Sarnowski, Horticultural Inspector for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Division of Plant Industry

Collin O’Brien, Horticultural Inspector for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Division of Plant Industry

Robert Cole, Forester for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Lands and Forests

Brian Eshenaur, Senior Extension Associate, New York State Integrated Pest Management at Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

WHY: Spotted Lanternfly is a destructive pest that feeds on more than 70 plant species, including plants and crops that are critical to New York’s agricultural economy, such as grapevines, apple trees, and hops.

First found in New York State on Staten Island in August 2020, SLF has been observed in all NYC boroughs, and in several locations across the State. Most recently, SLF was detected in Romulus, New York in the Finger Lakes region. The Departments are working closely with partners on the state and federal levels on measures to combat the population, control its spread to other areas of New York State, and protect New York’s agricultural crops.

As adult SLFs emerge this summer, New York State has been hearing concerns from New York residents regarding SLF control. State officials and Cornell experts will share tips with residents on how to combat SLF on their properties, as well as information on the SLF’s life cycle and what to expect for the rest of this summer and through the fall and winter seasons. The Department of Agriculture and Markets will also showcase its use of drones as one tool in the fight against SLF.