The US Open is being overrun by invasive spotted lanternflies, which are known to be lustful bugs, and officials are urging people to ‘stomp them out’ in a bid to get rid of them
The invasive red and black spotted lanternflies, officially known as Lycorma delicatula (or SLF), have once again swarmed Flushing Meadows right as tennis’ most prestigious American event gets underway. Fans and players alike at the upcoming U.S. Open have been urged to “stomp them out,” but state officials warn that the campaign may be a losing battle.
“This is just the beginning of a long war,” Chris Logue, the director of the Division of Plant Industry at New York’s Department of Agriculture and Markets, told the New York Post. “We probably, going into the future, will continue to have spotted lanternfly. It’s probably going to continue to expand its range.”
The bugs are most common in New York from late summer through early fall, reaching their peak in August and September the exact same timeframe as the Open, which runs this year from August 18 to September 8 with a new format during their breeding season.
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, which houses the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, provides perfect habitat with 897 acres of greenery and numerous host plants, including the infamous tree of heaven.
Athletes have been told they might have to use their brand-new sponsored sneakers to squash any intruders if lanternflies touch down on the court during this year’s competition. Greek star Maria Sakkari tried to rescue a bug during her Washington Open clash against Emma Navarro, but a ball boy swiftly stomped it.
The broader problem intensifies after populations have exploded across 29 of New York State’s 62 counties. Following a surge in 2022 and 2023, figures dropped last year, only to balloon again in 2025.
Specialists say the fluctuations mirror food supply patterns.
“It’s like everybody getting to the salad simultaneously,” explained Jacob Leeser of Cornell University’s New York State Integrated Pest Management Program.
“As food availability starts to fall, the population does too.”
Cornell researchers suggest using cordless vacuum cleaners outside on patios or balconies to capture the moth-sized insects.
To guarantee they’re eliminated, wait at least two days before clearing the bag. They also recommended coating tree trunks with approved pesticides or combining dish soap and water as a budget-friendly solution.
Vehicles continue to disperse pesticides throughout city streets, but with lanternflies reproducing quickly and lacking natural enemies, specialists say elimination is unachievable. At most, New York can only control them.
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