Spotted lanternflies are swarming across more than half of New York’s counties, alarming grape growers and state officials, according to the Times Union.
The invasive bugs—originally from Asia—can damage over 120 plant species, especially grapevines. Without natural predators in the U.S., their spread has followed highways, hitching rides on cars and cargo. Experts warn they could cost the state’s wine industry up to $300 million a year if left unchecked.
Federal lawmakers are pushing a bipartisan bill to fund more research and control, while farmers brace for added insecticide costs. In Pennsylvania, lanternfly populations have declined after initial surges—but vineyards still face yearly resurgences.
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