Sidewalks, trees and even cars are set to be blanketed with a plague of spotted lanternflies.
Experts are sounding the alarm on the invasive insect from China, warning that 2026 could be worse than previous seasons.
The multi-colored bug, with spots on its back, is known to devour more than 70 types of vegetation, leaving behind inch-long, putty-like egg masses and a sticky 'honeydew' resin often covered in toxic black mold that slowly weakens plants.
They were first reported in Pennsylvania in 2014, but have since moved on into Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia.
Experts warn the number of insects across New York City could reach into the millions this year.
According to New York's Department of Agriculture, the past winter was not cold enough to significantly reduce the population, raising concerns that the species will surge again this season.
Jola Szubielzki, director of public information at the Department of Agriculture, said: 'We do know that winter temperatures downstate were not cold enough for long enough to kill off eggs that overwintered.'
Kristen Winchell, an assistant professor of biology at New York University, added: 'Cities tend to have milder winters, creating favorable conditions for species that otherwise would only be able to live in warmer climates.'
Spotted lanternfly eggs typically hatch in the spring, starting around late April to May, though this can range from late March to June depending on consistent warm weather.
Virginia has reported eggs hatching in the last week, with Alonso Abugattas, Natural Resources Manager for Arlington County, telling ARLnow: 'Warmer weather causes them to emerge earlier each year.'
The spotted lanternfly is believed to have come to the US as egg masses on a stone shipment that originated in China.
Both nymphs and adults of spotted lanternfly cause damage when they feed, sucking sap from stems and branches. This can reduce photosynthesis, weaken the plant, and eventually contribute to the plant's death.
In addition, feeding can cause the plant to ooze or weep, resulting in a fermented odor, and the insects themselves excrete large amounts of fluid that is called honeydew.
These fluids promote mold growth and attract other insects.
State officials have sent residents on a mission to kill, urging people to crush or stomp on the bugs, put them in a container of alcohol, diluted Clorox or hand sanitizer and spray them with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water.
Dan Kenny, the plant health division chief for the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) of Ohio, previously told the Daily Mail: [The spotted lanternfly] is sneaky. It moves around on products, cars and even rail cars.
The multi-colored bug, with spots on its back, is known to devour more than 70 types of vegetation
Spotted lanternfly eggs typically hatch in the spring, starting around late April to May, though this can range from late March to June depending on consistent warm weather
'There is just so much opportunity for it to spread naturally or hitchhike.'
The USAD has warned that the invasive species is capable of causing at least $550 million in damages to crops and trees.
Officials advise scraping the eggs off the surface, putting them in a plastic bag, and throwing the bag in the trash - this will ensure none survive.
Matthew Travis, USDA APHIS national policy manager for the spotted lanternfly, encouraged US residents to 'Look for invasive pest egg masses during late fall, winter, and early spring on outdoor surfaces like tree bark, cars, and items you store outside.'
'When you find them, remove them to keep them from hatching in the spring, or worse, hitchhiking on the cars we travel in, or the firewood and outdoor gear we move to new places,' said Travis.
Scientists say advanced models that track both location and timing are essential for predicting where invasive pests and diseases are likely to spread giving natural resource managers valuable time to prepare.
While researchers have previously mapped the potential range of the invasive spotted lanternfly, one major question remained unanswered: when the destructive insect could reach the West Coast's multi-billion-dollar fruit industry.
In a recent study, scientists from North Carolina State University used process-based modeling to forecast how the spotted lanternfly could spread across the United States under a worst-case scenario where no treatments are used to control its population.
Their findings suggest the pest has a low probability of reaching California's grape-producing counties by 2027, but a high probability of arrival by 2033 if current trends continue.
Researchers say the study highlights the growing importance of spatio-temporal modeling tools that predict both where and when invasive species will spread as an early warning system for growers and agricultural officials.
The projections also provide a critical baseline that can be used to measure the effectiveness of future control strategies aimed at slowing or stopping the lanternfly's advance.