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Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Experts warn New Yorkers about 'sex-crazed' pests expected to swarm city: 'It's a huge increase'
The spotted lanternfly, a highly destructive invasive insect, has caused damage to crops and ornamental plants across the United States, including in New York. Experts say the state should prepare for another likely invasion, as swarms have already been spotted around New York City. According to The New York Post, which called them "sex-crazed," lanternflies are "back in full force" in Northeastern states after their population saw dramatic declines last year. For example, Kelli Hoover, a professor of entomology at Penn State, noted that an egg count conducted at a Pennsylvania vineyard in 2024 revealed approximately 1,700 egg masses per row, representing a significant increase compared to the previous year. "It was almost nothing and then — boom — now they're back in big numbers," Hoover said. "It's a huge increase." The voracious pests have also started hatching in and around the Big Apple, much to the dismay of New Yorkers. Jacob Leeser, a member of Cornell University's Integrated Pest Management Program, said the insects have hatched around two weeks earlier than usual because of warmer-than-average temperatures. A temporary decline in their numbers over the past several years could signal an upcoming surge, as the insects typically disappear for a while when food availability is scarce. As its primary food source, a plant called the Tree of Heaven, regenerates, it tends to rebound as well. Spotted lanternflies aren't actually flies — they're planthoppers in the same order of insects as cicadas, aphids, and other hopping bugs. The insects aren't only a nuisance to people, but also pose a significant threat to the economy, as they damage important crops such as apples, peaches, and grapes, as well as other fruit trees and timber. The National Park Service reported that the bug feeds on over 70 different plant species and has a major impact on forest ecosystems. Spotted lanternflies are native to China, India, and Vietnam, and were first spotted in the U.S. in 2014, likely hitching a ride on shipments from Asia. Hoover told the Post that the bugs have now been detected in 18 states, and entomologists are working to prevent them from spreading to vineyards in California and causing further economic harm. Invasive species, such as lanternflies, are detrimental to native plants and animals, as they outcompete them for resources and contribute to ecological disruptions. By conserving natural resources and our shared environment, and eradicating harmful species before they can cause serious damage, we can safeguard our food supplies and ensure other species have healthy habitats. Leeser explained that most New Yorkers have simply stomped or crushed the insects in the past, but sucking them up with a vaccuum may be an easier and more effective option. However, he noted that if residents use this method, it's crucial to wait at least 48 hours before emptying the bag. If you have them in your home, don't worry; experts say they can only live for around 50 hours, as house plants aren't part of their diet. Should the government be paying people to hunt invasive species? Definitely Depends on the animal No way Just let people do it for free Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Meanwhile, entomologists are combating the spotted lanternfly using a combination of trapping, insecticides, and exploring biological control methods. Scientists and wildlife experts are also employing robots equipped with artificial intelligence and detection dogs to identify and remove egg masses before they can hatch. Studies show that squashing the pests is effective, which means you may not have to use dangerous chemicals to control them that could harm other plants and wildlife. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
New York Post
14-05-2025
- Science
- New York Post
Surge in sex-crazed, crop-destroying spotted lanternflies expected this year after population plunge
They bugged off — and now they're back in full force! A huge uptick in sex-crazed, crop-destroying spotted lanternflies is expected to swarm the Big Apple after a population plunge last year — and they're already hatching in droves, experts told The Post Wednesday. An egg count taken this past winter at a vineyard in Berks County, Pennsylvania — considered 'ground zero' for the invasive pest — showed roughly 1,700 egg masses per row compared to nearly none the previous year, said Kelli Hoover, professor of entomology at Penn State. Advertisement A rise in sex-crazed, crop-destroying spotted lanternflies is expected to swarm New York City. Christopher Sadowski 'It was almost nothing and then — boom — now they're back in big numbers,' Hoover said. 'It's a huge increase.' The red-and-tan-winged insects — which recklessly munch through everything from vegetable gardens to fruit trees — began hatching last week in areas in and around New York City, experts said. The tiny invaders made their buzz-worthy arrival two weeks earlier than usual, likely due to heat from a warm spring trapped by buildings in the urban jungle, said Jacob Leeser, of Cornell University's New York State Integrated Pest Management Program. Advertisement While the spotted lanternfly population appeared to drop in the city after spikes in 2022 and 2023, their apparent disappearance could be a sign they'll be back in full force this year. The insects may have 'boom and bust cycles' because they gobble up their main food source — a leafy green plant known as the Tree of Heaven — one year, leaving them with nothing to eat the next. 'It's like everybody getting to the salad at the same time,' Leeser said. 'As the availability of food starts to fall, the population does too.' Advertisement Last winter's egg population study, led by Penn State University researcher Brian Walsh, is the biggest reason New Yorkers might want to brace for another invasion this year, Hoover said. Jacob Leeser, of Cornell University's New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, said the insects arrived two weeks earlier than usual due to the rise in heat from a warmer spring climate. Christopher Sadowski 'It may be a boom cycle but it's really hard to predict,' she said. The insects — which start off as black and white nymphs that jump — generally hatch in late May, and people tend to notice them while they are frantically mating in August, Leeser said. Advertisement New Yorkers have in past years waged a war to squish away the lusty red, black and white lanternflies — but they may be best extinguished with a simple household appliance, he said. To kill them, Leeser recommended New Yorkers drag their vacuum cleaners outside to patios, balconies or yards to suck up the moth-sized bugs. But be sure to wait 48 hours before emptying the vacuum bag, to ensure they don't reemerge, he warned. Research also shows the bugs can't live inside apartments for more than 50 hours because they can't survive on house plants, which is good news to most New Yorkers, he added. Meanwhile, Trees of Heaven must be sprayed with herbicide months before they can be chopped, making the insects' meal of choice hard to remove, experts said. Lanternflies, which grow to roughly an inch long, first arrived in the Big Apple 2020 from southeast Asia. Advertisement The bugs have recently spread like wildfire — to a total 18 states — and entomologists are trying like crazy to stop them from getting to lucrative wine country in California, Hoover said. 'They're hopping on train, planes, ships and other transportation,' she said. 'These guys are brave hitch-hikers.'
Gulf News
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Park Shin-hye channels Blackpink 'Like Jennie' on the dancefloor, fans react: 'Even her hair moves gracefully'
It was a joy for Park Shin-hye fans, when she showed her dance skills and performed to Blackpink member Jennie's hit song Like Jennie. The performance, which surfaced online, quickly garnered attention for Shin-hye stunning' moves. Dressed in a stylish ensemble reminiscent of Jennie's stage outfits, along with short hair, Shin-hye danced to the popular tracks with flair and poise, with fans flooding the comment sections. 'What can she not do,' one wrote. 'My favourite actress and my favorite kpop idol jennie,' another excited fan wrote. 'Okay I did not know that she dances so well,' one added. Park Shin-hye, who turned 35 this year, evolved from South Korea's beloved 'Nation's Little Sister' is known to have cut across different genres, and refusing to be typecast. Beginning her career with notable performances in dramas like Stairway to Heaven and Tree of Heaven, she gained widespread recognition with hits such as You're Beautiful, The Heirs, and Pinocchio. Her film repertoire includes the critically acclaimed Miracle in Cell No. 7 and the thriller #Alive. Beyond acting, she is also known for her philanthropic efforts through the Starlight Angel Project and has been featured multiple times in Forbes Korea's Power Celebrity 40 list.
