Invasive species

The biggest concern is the pest’s potential economic impact on New York’s $300 million dollar wine and grape industry.

"If we can stop any more of those (invasive) species coming in, for the cost of a few million dollar filtration systems per ship...I think it's very worthwhile."

Virtual Panel & ScreeningNovember 18 at 7pm ET What would happen if wine, maple syrup, and apples disappeared from our tables? This is what's at stake…

“It flies as well, but it’s a weak flyer. So the main way it moves from place to place over long distances, is through human movement."

Treatments include “trap-trees” with a synthetic insecticide, a full-year applied pesticide, and treating any egg masses with a soybean-based product.

There are strict orders in quarantine counties aimed at stopping the invasive pest’s spread westward or even between municipalities within a county.

"This may be an uphill battle for us, but we're starting it."

Possessing a voracious appetite, the biggest concerns with the spotted lanternfly are their impacts on fruit trees, maples, and especially on vineyards.

"They're tipping the balance towards a more diverse ecosystem. The result will be beauty and color in the landscape, new homes for butterflies improved water quality and a stronger web of life."

A stowaway from China, the spotted lanternfly, is eating its way across Pennsylvania, killing trees and grapevines. Scientists are considering importing the bug's natural enemies from back home.