You won’t see as many spotted lanternflies in winter as during the warmer months, but this season is a key time to disrupt their life cycle. These invasive pests can cause significant harm to trees, plants, and crops. Taking action during the cold winter months can help prevent a larger infestation in the spring.
Let Mosquito Joe® guide you in understanding the lanternfly life cycle and teach you how addressing overwintering egg masses can help protect your property.
Understanding the Spotted Lanternfly Life Cycle
Spotted lanternflies follow an annual reproductive cycle that closely follows the warmer and colder seasons. Recognizing the stages will help you understand how to interrupt the life cycle and prevent lanternflies from taking over your yard.
Seasonal Habits and Life Cycle Stages
You’ll notice the most spotted lanternfly activity from spring through summer as nymphs mature into highly active adults. The changing seasons provide an easy guide for tracking spotted lanternfly growth and behavior throughout the year:
- Spring: Eggs hatch into tiny black nymphs that begin feeding on plants.
- Summer: Nymphs mature into adults, with activity increasing as they grow and feed on sap.
- Fall: Adults become highly active, laying egg masses on trees, furniture, and other surfaces before dying off.
- Winter: Only egg masses remain, making this the best time to locate and remove them and stop the cycle.
Steps to Take in the Winter to Control and Prevent Spotted Lanternflies
While adult spotted lanternflies die off in the late fall, their egg masses remain intact. Often well-camouflaged, the egg masses are especially designed to endure harsh winter conditions while they wait for warmer weather to hatch.
Spotting Egg Masses
Their ability to camouflage their egg masses is the key to survival for spotted lanternflies in winter. The egg masses are flat, grayish-brown, and have a smudged, mud-like appearance, that allows them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, including on:
- Tree bark: Smooth tree trunks are a favorite spot for egg-laying.
- Outdoor furniture: Lanternflies often lay eggs on patio furniture and garden structures.
- Vehicles: Cars, trailers, and recreational vehicles parked outdoors are prime targets.
- Firewood and fences: Wooden surfaces are ideal hiding spots for camouflaged egg masses.
Identifying and removing egg masses during the winter is the most effective winter pest control for lanternflies.
Removing Egg Masses
Proactive measures against spotted lanternflies during the chilly season can save time and effort while protecting your property from future infestations. Follow these steps to eliminate egg masses on your property:
- Inspect your property: Check tree trunks, branches, fences, furniture, vehicles, and firewood for grayish egg masses. Don’t forget hidden areas like rocks and grills.
- Scrape and destroy: Use a scraper or old credit card to remove egg masses, then seal them in a bag with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer before disposing of them.
- Reinspect regularly: Check again throughout winter to catch any missed masses. Encourage neighbors to do the same for better control.
Preparing Trees and Plants for Winter
In addition to removing egg masses, taking steps to safeguard your plants and trees during winter can help reduce spotted lanternfly activity and ensure healthier landscaping in the spring.
- Sticky tree bands: Wrap tree trunks with sticky bands to trap climbing nymphs. Replace them regularly for maximum effectiveness.
- Prune and clean: Trim dead branches and clear plant debris to remove pest hiding spots and reduce overcrowding.
- Dormant oil sprays: Apply dormant oil to trees to reduce overwintering pests and support healthy spring growth.
What to Expect in the Spring: Early Prevention Tips
In spring, spotted lanternfly eggs hatch into small, black nymphs with white spots, marking the start of their active season. Early action during this time is crucial to keep their population under control:
- Inspect for nymphs: Look for nymphs on tree trunks, plants, and outdoor surfaces. Frequent checks can help catch infestations early.
- Refresh sticky tree bands: Replace sticky bands on tree trunks to trap climbing nymphs, and check them regularly for debris.
- Consider professional treatments: Eco-friendly pest control can target nymphs before they develop into adults, preventing widespread infestations.
- Work with neighbors: A coordinated effort in your community to inspect and treat affected areas can reduce the overall population.
These steps address spring activity and can help educate your community on how to prevent lanternflies from spreading later in the year.
How Mosquito Joe Can Help Fight Spotted Lanternflies
Winter offers a unique opportunity to disrupt the spotted lanternfly life cycle. By focusing on egg mass removal and preparing your property, you can significantly reduce the number of pests emerging in the spring.
If you prefer to hand off the job to trained spotted lanternfly exterminators who have experience and reliable ways to handle pest control with the proper equipment, count on Mosquito Joe®. Our services include eco-friendly pest control solutions backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and our own Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee to protect your property from invasive bugs like spotted lanternflies.
Don’t wait for spring to address your pests! Let Mosquito Joe help you tackle winter pest control for lanternflies and protect your home year-round. Contact us today for a free estimate.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mosquito Joe location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
