New York DEC: Destroy These Immediately this Winter

New York DEC: Destroy These Immediately this Winter

The New York DEC is asking New Yorkers to destroy and report any spotted lanternfly egg masses they see this winter. Here's how. (NYS DEC via Facebook)

It seems like snow, sleet, and even sub-zero temperatures aren't enough to stop one of New York's most hated invasive species.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) is always finding ways to keep the public educated about the natural world, including when our local environment is threatened. Their most recent efforts included a very clear message to any winter hikers in New York: destroy this pest on sight.

The New York DEC is warning residents to keep an eye out for spotted lanternfly egg masses, which they should destroy on sight (NYS DEC via Facebook)
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Finding New York's Spotted Lanternflies in the Winter

Their winter warning was about the the ever-despised spotted lanternfly. While the invasive insects don't survive over the winter season, the pest (which has plagued the United States since it was first introduced in 2014) makes every effort to ensure another population when temperatures warm once again. Here's what you can do to help stop their spread.

New York forest rangers say that an object like a credit card (or in this case a DEC informational card) is a fine tool to use to destroy spotted lanternfly egg masses (NYS DEC via Facebook)
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What to Look For: Spotted Lanternfly Eggs

"This time of year, be on the lookout for Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) egg masses", the NYS DEC shared on Facebook. "Freezing temperatures will kill off adult insects, but the egg masses they lay in fall can be spotted throughout the winter". Video (below) shows New York residents exactly what to look out for.

How to Destroy Spotted Lanternfly Eggs in New York

"Egg mass" is a rather off-putting phrase, but sometimes a little dirty work is required to help our native species flourish. In the video, stress is put on not only removing the eggs, but destroying them as well. Keep an ear out for the "pop" of crunching eggs (sorry, we got even more gross).

Read More: (PICTURES) These 74 Plants Are Banned In New York State 

Not only should these egg masses be destroyed, but the NYS DEC is also asking for assistance in mapping where the spotted lanternfly eggs have been found. Anyone who has destroyed an egg mass is encouraged to report their activity including date, location, and even photos here.

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Animals aren't the only type of invasive species in New York. While the spotted lanternfly is notoriously harmful to our native plants, invasive plants can be a death sentence for our local flora as well. Learn about the 74 different plants that are banned in New York State here, and check out more invasive species below.

5 of New York's Most Devastating Invasive Species

Here are 5 species that have invaded New York State and in some cases they must be killed. We are talking about fish that walk on land, plants that cause severe burns and insects that could wipe out a variety of crops that we rely on.

Keep an eye out for these species and you hike, work around the yard or do some fishing this year. Should you locate any of these it is important to report where and when you found them to the New York State DEC.

Gallery Credit: Karolyi

New York State's Invasive Plants To Be On The Lookout For

These seven invasive plants have become a nuisance to the wildlife and people living in New York State. Learn more about them and how to remove them at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation here.
Filed Under: Facebook, United States, New York State, New York, NYS, DEC, Hudson Valley Wildlife, NYS DEC, invasive species, spotted lanternfly

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