Tennis stars competing at the US Open have been warned to kill spotted lanternflies on sight as the invasive insects threaten to overrun Flushing Meadows during their mating period.
Officials are alerting players such as Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper that they should stamp on the pests if encountered during the tournament. The planthoppers are mounting a resurgence across New York following last year's population drop.
The insects' late August breeding season coincides with the Grand Slam event, raising concerns about potential disruptions to matches.
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Brian Eshenaur, who specialises in invasive species at Cornell University, advised: "When somebody sees an insect, we ask them to take a picture first. And then stomp on it."
The players will have to deal with more then just tennis when they pay at the US Open
|Reuters
The planthoppers have established themselves across 29 of New York State's 62 counties throughout the summer months. Scientists have observed the insects' recovery after their numbers fell significantly during the previous year.
These invasive creatures consume sap from more than 70 plant varieties, showing particular preference for commercially valuable species. Their feeding behaviour places considerable stress on vegetation, potentially causing plant deterioration or death.
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New York's Department of Agriculture has cautioned that the insects compromise outdoor activities and recreational spaces. "Spotted Lanternfly is a serious invasive pest with a healthy appetite for our plants and it can be a significant nuisance, affecting the quality of life and enjoyment of the outdoors," the department stated.
The insects' piercing-sucking mouthparts enable them to extract plant sap, causing significant agricultural damage. Their feeding habits particularly threaten economically important vegetation, leading to plant stress and potential mortality.
Flushing Meadows, home to New York's fourth-largest public park, provides ideal conditions for the pests to thrive. The venue's extensive greenery could attract substantial numbers during the tournament fortnight.
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Tennis stars, including Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu, have been advised is to "stomp" the bugs if they are seen
|Getty
Tennis professionals have already witnessed pest control measures in action.
During July's Washington Open, a ball boy crushed an insect that player Maria Sakkari had initially spared, demonstrating the recommended response to lanternfly encounters.
State agricultural officials emphasise that these planthoppers significantly diminish outdoor enjoyment and pose serious ecological threats.
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Britain's representatives at the tournament include Draper, who reached the men's semi-finals in 2024, and Raducanu, the 2021 women's champion who triumphed as a qualifier. Both players await Thursday's draw announcement with anticipation.
The defending singles champions are Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, who secured their titles at last year's tournament.
Jack Draper will be looking for a repeat of last year's success at the US Open where he reached the semi-final
| ReutersThe lanternfly situation adds an unexpected challenge to the Grand Slam event, with players potentially facing insect encounters during matches.
The pests' presence at such a high-profile sporting venue underscores the severity of New York's invasive species problem.
Tournament organisers must now contend with both sporting logistics and pest management as the championship approaches.