WASHINGTON, D.C. (WENY) — A bipartisan bill introduced in Congress is aiming to stop the spread of the spotted lanternfly (SLF) across the nation.
U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Fetterman (D-PA), Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act on July 30. If passed, the bipartisan bill would allow for grants to develop research-based tools and treatments to combat the insects.
The senators say the federal investment to combat the SLF will protect farms and strengthen the agricultural economy.
The SLF is an invasive insect native to Asia that feeds on crops, trees and plants. They target specialty crops like grapes, which could have economic consequences throughout regions like the Finger Lakes.
In 2025, researchers at Cornell University estimated that if left unchecked, SLFs could cost New York’s grape industry over $14 million.
Cornell’s SLF tracker has shown infestations in Tioga, Tompkins, and Schuyler Counties. They have also been detected in Bradford County, Pa.
An adult spotted lanternfly
Renata Stiehl
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), adult SLFs begin to appear in July and are approximately 1 inch long. They are gray with black spots, but have red and black spots on their lower hindwings.
Nymphs, or newly hatched SLFs, are black with white spots. They turn red before transitioning to adulthood and can be seen as early as April.
NYSDEC has several tips to prevent the spread of SLFs, including:
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Learn how to identify the insects.
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Kill any SLFs by crushing or stepping on them.
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Inspect outdoor items such as firewood, vehicles and furniture for egg masses.
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Check all equipment and gear before leaving states where SLFs are present. Scrape off any egg masses.
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Destroy egg masses by scraping them into a bucket of hot, soapy water or a baggie/jar of hand sanitizer.
Officials urge anyone who sees an SLF to report it at spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov. They ask to include a photo of the insect or egg masses with something for scale, such as a coin or ruler, and the location of the infestation.