How to Get Rid of Spotted Lanternflies: A Complete Guide

If you are in an region where spotted lanternflies are an issue, you could have observed how destructive these insects can be to plants. The first time they were found by the U.S. around 2014, the invasive insects have spread across many states, wrecking destruction to grapevines, trees or ornamental trees. You might be thinking what you should do if you spot the pest in your backyard? What is the best way to kill the spotted lanternflies with ease?

Why Are Spotted Lanternflies Bad for Your Plants?

Spotted lanternflies are renowned for feeding on a diverse variety of plants, such as grapevines, fruit trees and ornamental trees. They feed on plants and cause stress to the plant, which can result in damages like wilting, decreased growth or, in certain cases even death. In time, the or plant becomes weaker because of their continual feeding, making it difficult for them to flourish.
Furthermore, spotted lanternflies release an emulsifying substance, known as honeydew. This attracted other pests such as wasps and ants. The sugary substance may result in the growth of sooty mould an invasive black fungus that could harm your plant as well as damage your car or furniture outside.

What Do Spotted Lanternflies Eat?

Spotted lanternflies have a special preference for certain plants. A few of their most popular include:

• Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
• The Grape Vines (especially wineries)
• Black Walnuts
• Maple Trees (especially silver and red maples)
• Willows

If you have plants like these on your property, then you might need to take additional steps to avoid lanternflies attacking them.

What Do Lanternflies Look Like?

Finding a spotted lanternfly fairly simple once you know which signs you should look out for.

• Adults: Around 1 inch long with gray forewings which include black spots. Their hindwings are black and red with white stripes.
• Nymphs: These stages that are immature are white with black spots and then turn red and black with marks as they grow.
• Egg Masses: Females place their eggs over surfaces that are smooth like fences, trees or even on outdoor furniture. The egg masses look similar to an oily, brown-colored coating.

How to Kill Spotted Lanternflies: 6 Effective Methods

We now know the reasons why spotted lanternflies cause issue, let’s look at the ways you can kill these insects and stop their damage to your plants.

Vacuum Them Up

If you notice seen lanternflies in the early morning, a simple hand-vacuum could be the answer. Utilize the vacuum to draw the insects out of the trees or plants. This method is most effective when there are just some pests. So, it’s ideal for quick control before the problem gets too big.

 Remove Egg Masses

Egg masses are an important focus when trying to control lanternflies. They’re usually placed on porches, trees and even fences. To remove eggs:

• Make use of a trowel for gardening or a spatula to scrape the eggs from the surface.
• Drop the eggs in the container that is filled with Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and they will die immediately.
• You can also squish eggs to release the large chunks.

The routinely monitoring of your property for egg masses is essential, particularly in the late autumn and the early spring, when they are more obvious.

Spray Ovicides on Egg Masses

Ovicides are specialized pesticides that are created to kill egg-laying insects. The research conducted by Penn State Extension has shown that spraying eggs with petroleum-based or plant-based oils early in the spring may help to eliminate some eggs before they hatch.

 Install Sticky Trap Bands

The trap bands are sticky and can be positioned around the tree trunks to trap lanternfly nymphs and adults while they ascend. The traps are most effective when they are applied in the early spring months, since they target nymphs at their first stages.
Be cautious! These traps are also able to capture beneficial insects as well as small animals, such as birds. To limit the danger you should protect the sticky band by putting it over the mesh to protect.

Create Plastic Bag Traps

Another effective method for trapping is making use of plastic bags. It is possible to create traps by affixing funnel traps or mesh trees’ trunks. This technique is best suited to branches with soft bark. It will capture lanternflies without harming other species. Make sure you remove the traps by the end of summer season to avoid long-term harm on the tree.

 Apply Insecticides and Oils

Spraying horticultural oils, insecticides or insecticidal soaps on the spotted lanternflies could be extremely beneficial. The products like neem oil paraffinic oil and insecticidal soaps can kill insects upon contact. But, they typically are not able to last long so you’ll need to apply them frequently. Be mindful of your surroundings and select the products safe to use on plants as well as beneficial insects.

What Eats Spotted Lanternflies?

Although natural predators such as birds, spiders and praying mantises might eat the spotted lanternflies, they do not suffice to control the population once they are established. Thus, human intervention is often required to control the population.

Do Spotted Lanternflies Bite?

No, spotted lanternflies do not bite humans or animals. They eat plant sap through piercing plants using their specially designed mouthparts. Though they do not bite, their actions could cause serious damage on your plant.

Why Are Lanternflies Bad for Your Landscape?

Spotted lanternflies are harmful due to a variety of reasons:

• Plants are damaged by their eating habits can weaken plants, which makes them more susceptible to diseases and pests.
• Excreta of honeydew Honeydew that they produce draws other pests in, and could cause the growth of sooty mold which could damage your outdoor furniture and trees.
• Rapid spread: Because these pests are able to quickly spread into new locations and pose a significant threat to landscapes in numerous states.

New Lanternfly Species in Vietnam and Cambodia

Recently, a brand new species of lanternfly was found within Vietnam in both Vietnam and Cambodia. Researchers are monitoring the behavior of the species and its spread since it could have distinct eating habits or environmental effects as compared to the species present throughout the U.S. This is why it is important to staying vigilant and informed regarding the control of lanternflies, particularly in the face of threats from new species that are invasive to the U.S.

What to Do When You Find a Spotted Lanternfly

If you spot an spotted hanging flies in your backyard, you don’t need to be alarmed! Take these measures to rid yourself of the pests:

• Vacuum all nymphs and adults you find in your plant.
• Take egg masses off any trees, or from other surface.
• Make sticky traps and the traps yourself using plastic bags to catch more.
• Spray insecticides and oils to kill them immediately.

If you follow these easy steps, you can stop the spreading of spotted lanternflies, and shield your garden from damage. Make sure to regularly inspect your plants and trees, and follow these techniques to ensure your garden is healthy and free of pests!
If you require additional advice or have questions specific to dealing with a lanternfly infestation that has been spotted you can contact your local expert in pest management or to inquire about extension specialists within your area.