Spotted Lanternfly

As they feed, their honeydew waste attracts other pests. The honeydew also encourages the development of fungal disease, further devastating plant life. In just eight years since the insect’s discovery in our country, spotted lanternfly damage exceeds hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Thus far, there is no simple pest management solution to the dangers posed by this invasive species. Spotted lanternflies are fast and difficult to remove, and it is critical not to destroy pollinators and other beneficial insects in our zeal to control these pests.

The best time to find adult spotted lanternflies is at dusk, when the colorful insects tend to cluster in groups on tree trunks or bushes. The mature female seeks out sheltered spots, like the bottom side of a patio table, house siding, bushes, the underside of tree limbs, or in the crotch of a tree. While eggs are often laid near these trees, hatchlings and nymphs have a wide range of fruit trees, ornamental trees, woody trees, vines, grains, vegetables, and herbs on their menu. In the winter, at the end of the year, be on the watch for spotted lanternfly egg masses. If you find one, scrape it into a ziplock bag loaded with hand sanitizer. Seal it and dispose of it.