It was only a matter of time before the spotted lanternfly was found in Chautauqua County. For years, this region has heard warnings about the devastation this creature can bring to agriculture, especially grape vineyards.

The Chautauqua County Master Gardeners shared a Facebook post on Saturday showing a spotted lanternfly at Hogan’s Hut in Stow. Those who find a spotted lanternfly are asked to collect the insect, put it in a plastic bag and freeze it, or place it in a jar with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Email a picture and location to spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov or at agriculture.ny.gov/reportSLF

As part of the state’s response efforts, the Department of Agriculture and Markets Division of Plant Industry are working with partners and stakeholders to determine the extent of the population in these newly reported areas. In December Ag and Markets officials said Upstate and Western New York residents should remain vigilant through the spring when spotted lanternfly eggs begin to hatch, and report sightings by following these steps:

– Take a photo.

– Collect a sample and place it in a freezer or in a jar with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer,

— Contact the spotted lanternfly responders and report spotted lanternfly directly at agriculture.ny.gov/reportslf, and

After reporting spotted lanternfly and collecting a sample, kill any additional spotted lanternfly by stepping on it or crushing it.

Agriculture is a large part of this area’s economy. Having awareness of this intruder is best for all of us.