Not all bugs are meant to be squashed, especially if they stay out of your personal space. However, when it comes to invasive species like the spotted lanternflies, the New York City government is encouraging residents to take action.
Various officials and organizations in New York City, including the NYC Parks department and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s director of horticulture, have issued a directive to eliminate spotted lanternflies on sight. Originally from China, India, and Vietnam, these insects have invaded the US, causing issues in parks and agricultural areas in NYC.
Despite their harmless nature to humans and their attractive appearance with expanded wings, spotted lanternflies can wreak havoc on crops like grapes, apples, and walnuts. Additionally, they can weaken local trees, although they do not typically kill them outright.
If you see one of these beautiful bugs, “squish it, that’s the message,” the director of horticulture at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden said. https://t.co/XneKBExU7H
— The New York Times (@nytimes) September 16, 2021
“Spotted lanternflies may look pretty, but they’re invasive pests and a threat to the health of our city’s forests,” shared the NYC Parks department on Instagram. Residents are urged to squash these insects, dispose of them properly, and report sightings to nyc.gov/parks/slf for effective management.
