Spotted lanternflies are an invasive species that has caused significant damage to crops and trees in New York City. They are native to China and were first introduced to the United States in 2014. Since then, they have spread rapidly throughout the Northeast. Spotted lanternflies feed on the sap of plants, which can cause leaves to wilt and drop off. They can also spread diseases to plants. In addition, spotted lanternflies are a nuisance to people. They can be attracted to light, and they often congregate on outdoor furniture and clothing.
There are a number of things that can be done to get rid of spotted lanternflies in New York City. One important step is to identify and destroy their egg masses. Egg masses are typically found on the undersides of leaves and branches. They are about the size of a dime and are covered in a white, waxy substance. If you find an egg mass, you should scrape it off and crush it. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove egg masses.