ROCHESTER, N.Y. — There's some encouraging news in the fight against the invasive insect, the spotted lanternfly. New Cornell University research shows that dogs can help reduce the spread of these planthoppers.

While the spotted lanternfly looks pretty with its red, white and brownish coloring, this bug can wreak havoc on crops like grapes, apples, hops, maple and walnut trees.


What You Need To Know

  • Spotted lanternflies have the potential to damage multiple agricultural crops in New York

  • A Cornell University study found that trained dogs were better than humans at detecting egg masses in forested areas near vineyards

  • If you see a spotted lanternfly or egg mass, you are asked to email its location along with a photograph to spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov

TeJay Chess, from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County, says if you see one, take a photo; stomp and smash it; and then report its location to the State Department of Agriculture.

“The spotted lanternfly will be crawling up around and have egg masses anywhere," said Chess. “They put egg masses on anything. I have seen them on dumpsters. That is the problem: They can lay eggs on your bike or your car, so if you travel from New York to Florida, you are traveling with eggs of spotted lanternfly.”

Cornell University researchers are working on a way to better detect spotted lanternflies early. In a recent Cornell study, researchers found that dogs had nearly three and a half times more lanternfly detections than humans in trees located next to vineyards where lanternflies cozy up for the winter.

The dogs find egg masses by smell. Researchers say that is key because you need to detect the eggs in order to eradicate them. Cornell says a spotted lanternfly infestation in a vineyard can cause 80-100% mortality of vines in one growing season.

If you see a spotted lanternfly or egg mass, you are asked to email its location along with a photograph to spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov.