As we enter June, the days are longer, the weather is warmer, and we’re noticing more bugs in the New York metro area.
One of the main insects causing trouble is the spotted lanternfly. It has been a problem for plants in the tri-state area since it arrived a few years ago. The bugs are about to become adults, which is when they can cause the most damage and reproduce. That’s why experts like gardeners, horticulturists, and entomologists suggest getting rid of as many of these bugs while they are still young.
At the Creative Little Garden, a small park on East 6th Street between Avenues B and C, people like Darien Footé enjoy the sunny weather. He mentioned that he likes to eat there sometimes because it’s a nice space.
However, there’s one thing about the park that bothers him. He joked that if the bugs are on him, he catches them.
He was referring to the spotted lanternfly nymphs. Many of them were visible on different plants in the lush space. These bugs are small, about the size of a pencil eraser, and easy to spot with their black bodies and bright white spots.
Mac Brandt, who is interested in insects as a hobby, mentioned that even though these bugs have distinct features, people might not recognize them. People are more familiar with the adult version, which have grey wings with black spots and a red color under each wing when they fly.