Spotted Lanternflies Are Back in the Hudson Valley And Yes, You Should Squish Them

They're back! And we're not excited about this.

Spotted Lanternfly's Land Back in The Hudson Valley

Have you seen the pesky Spotted Lanternfly around your neighborhood? In July 2026, reports started trickling in that the invasive species was back terrorizing the Hudson Valley.

It looks like they're officially back. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has shared some details about what to do and how to identify the Spotted Lanternfly.

According to the DEC, SLF eggs are laid in the fall and they begin to hatch in late May early April.

We then begin to see them as adults with their bright red wingspans in July.

Have you seen a Spotted Lanternfly in your neck of the woods?

What to Do If You See A Spotted Lanternfly in the Hudson Valley

At some point last year, the DEC and NY environmental officials were asking folks in the Hudson Valley to collect Spotted Lanternfly samples.

We aren't at that point yet, however, the Department of Environmental Conservation is still hoping you can help stop the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly.

It's pretty simple, if you see a Spotted Lanternfly in the Hudson Valley the DEC states "kill it immediately by stepping on it or crushing it." They add why this is so important, explaining further:

Each female SLF eliminated can reduce next year’s population by 60-100 insects

What To Do If You Live Outside of the Hudson Valley and See a Spotted Lanternfly

For those of you who may live outside of the Hudson Valley, the DEC has an important task for you.

They would like you to collect samples from the Spotted Lanternfly you encounter. They write:

• Take a photo.
• Collect a sample and place it in a freezer or in a jar with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
•  Contact the SLF responders by emailing spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov or filling out the report in our bio.

If you live in the following counties you DO NOT need to collect samples: