What to Do When You Find a Spotted Lanternfly: A Complete Guide

The spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect species, has become a growing concern for many regions across the United States. These colorful but destructive pests pose a significant threat to various plants and crops, causing widespread damage to agricultural and ornamental vegetation. Knowing what to do when you find a spotted lanternfly is crucial for effectively managing their population and minimizing their harmful impact on local ecosystems.

This comprehensive guide aims to equip readers with the knowledge and tools necessary to address spotted lanternfly infestations. It covers key aspects such as identification techniques, immediate actions to take upon discovery, prevention strategies, and long-term management approaches. By following the steps outlined in this article, individuals can play a vital role in controlling the spread of these invasive insects and protecting their communities from the economic and environmental consequences of spotted lanternfly invasions.

Identifying Spotted Lanternflies

Adult Appearance

Adult spotted lanternflies are visually striking insects, measuring approximately 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide [1]. Their distinctive appearance includes a yellow abdomen with black bars and large, colorful wings [1]. The forewings are brown with black spots at the front and a speckled band at the rear [1]. When the wings are open, the hind wings reveal a vibrant scarlet color with black spots at the front and white and black bars at the rear [1] [2]. Females tend to be slightly larger than males, with both sexes reaching about 1 inch in length [3].

Nymph Stages

The nymph stage of spotted lanternflies undergoes several instars, or growth phases, each with unique characteristics:

Early stage nymphs (1st-3rd instars): These are small, measuring just a few millimeters in length, with black bodies and legs covered in bright white spots [3]. As they grow, they can reach about 1/4 inch long [3].
Late stage nymphs (4th instar): The final nymph stage before adulthood is approximately 1/2 inch long [3]. These nymphs are bright red with black stripes and white spots [3] [2].

Both early and late-stage nymphs are strong jumpers and will leap when disturbed [3]. Nymphs can be observed feeding on new growth of plants, such as stems and foliage, particularly on tree- of-heaven [3].

Egg Masses

Spotted lanternfly egg masses are laid in the fall and survive through winter, hatching in spring [4]. Each mass contains 30-50 eggs and is about 1.5 inches long [4] [5]. Fresh egg masses resemble a smear of wet, gray putty, later drying to a brownish-gray color that mimics cracked mud [1] [4]. These masses can be found on various smooth surfaces, including trees, bricks, stones, outdoor furniture, and vehicles [1] [4].

As the egg masses age, the protective covering may wear off, exposing individual seed-like eggs [3]. After hatching, perfect ovals can be seen at the top of each egg [4]. It's important to note that egg masses can be easily mistaken for other natural formations, such as lichen on tree branches [4].

Immediate Actions to Take

Capture or Kill the Insect

When encountering a spotted lanternfly, swift action is crucial. If possible, capture the insect in a container with alcohol (such as rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer) to kill and preserve it [6]. If capture is not feasible, the next best option is to destroy the insect. This can be done by squashing it, smashing it with a fly swatter, or using any other effective method [7]. It's important to note that spotted lanternflies do not bite or sting humans or pets, making them safe to handle [8].

Report the Sighting

After dealing with the insect, reporting the sighting is essential. This helps authorities track the spread of the species and implement control measures. Individuals can report sightings online or by phone. In Pennsylvania, for instance, people can call 1-888-4BADFLY to report sightings [7]. In Maryland, reports can be submitted online, with a photograph required for verification [9].

When reporting, include details such as the location (address, intersecting roads, or GPS coordinates) and, if possible, clear photographs of the insect [10].

Check for More

After spotting one lanternfly, it's crucial to inspect the surrounding area for more insects or egg masses. Spotted lanternflies often gather in groups, and a single sighting may indicate a larger presence. Pay special attention to trees, as females often lay eggs on or near trees where they were feeding [11]. Egg masses can be found on various smooth surfaces, including tree bark, outdoor furniture, and vehicles [8]. If egg masses are discovered, they should be destroyed by scraping them into an alcohol solution or thoroughly smashing them [11].

Preventing Further Spread

Inspect Vehicles and Outdoor Items

Preventing the spread of spotted lanternflies (SLF) requires vigilance, especially when traveling from infested areas. Before leaving an SLF-infected region, individuals should thoroughly inspect their vehicles and outdoor items [12]. This includes checking the vehicle's interior, exterior, truck beds, wheel wells, and any equipment used for moving items such as dollies or pallets [12]. SLF are not strong flyers but often hitchhike to new areas, making vehicle inspections crucial [12].

Remove Egg Masses

SLF egg masses, laid in late summer through early winter, contain 30-50 eggs each [5]. These masses are typically 1.5 inches long and brown or gray in color [5]. To prevent SLF from hatching, it's essential to destroy egg masses found on tree trunks, branches, rocks, and outdoor equipment [13]. Egg masses can be effectively destroyed by scraping them into a bag filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer [13] [5]. Alternatively, they can be thoroughly smashed, ensuring that enough pressure is applied to burst the eggs [5].

Avoid Moving Firewood

One simple yet effective way to prevent SLF spread is to avoid moving firewood [11]. Firewood can harbor SLF eggs or nymphs, potentially introducing the pest to new areas. By using local firewood sources, individuals can help contain the spread of this invasive species.

By implementing these preventive measures, individuals can play a significant role in controlling the spread of spotted lanternflies and protecting their communities from the economic and environmental impacts of these invasive insects.

Long-Term Management Strategies

Remove Host Plants

One effective long-term strategy for managing spotted lanternfly (SLF) populations is to remove their preferred host plants. The tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is a primary host for SLF and an invasive species in the United States [8]. Removing this tree can help control SLF populations and have other positive environmental effects. When removing tree-of-heaven, it's crucial to use herbicides to kill the root system for best results [11]. As an alternative to complete removal, some male trees can be left and treated with systemic insecticides to attract and kill SLF as they feed [11].

Use Traps

Traps are an effective tool for intercepting and killing SLF nymphs and adults as they climb trees to feed. Circle traps, which can be purchased or built using instructions from Penn State Extension, are particularly effective [8]. These traps use plastic-coated insect screening to create a tunnel that SLFs walk into, leading to a collection container where they die [14]. This design significantly reduces the risk of capturing non-target creatures compared to adhesive traps [14].

Consider Professional Treatment

While insecticides can be effective against SLF, their use requires careful consideration. Spot-spraying and whole-yard treatments may only temporarily reduce populations while potentially harming beneficial insects [8]. Systemic insecticides applied to "hot" trees, where SLF adults gather in large numbers, can be an effective targeted approach [15]. However, it's crucial to follow label instructions and consider the potential impact on non-target insects, especially pollinators [8]. For complex infestations or when dealing with valuable plants, consulting a professional pest management service may be the most effective and responsible course of action.

Conclusion

The spotted lanternfly issue calls for swift action and ongoing vigilance from everyone. By knowing how to spot these pests, taking quick steps when you find them, and working to stop their spread, we can all help protect our local plant life and farms. What's more, long-term strategies like removing host plants, using traps, and getting professional help when needed are key to keeping these bugs in check.

In the end, tackling the spotted lanternfly problem is a team effort. It needs everyone to pitch in, from regular folks to experts and officials. By staying alert and following the steps outlined in this guide, we can make a real difference in controlling these invasive insects. This not only helps to protect our plants and crops but also plays a big part in keeping our local ecosystems healthy for years to come.

FAQs

What should I do if I encounter a spotted lanternfly?

If you find a spotted lanternfly, it is advisable to remove the tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), which is one of its primary host plants, from your property. Be cautious as tree-of-heaven closely resembles native sumac and black walnut, so ensure you have correctly identified the plant before removing it.

Are spotted lanternflies dangerous to humans?

Spotted lanternflies do not pose a direct threat to humans as they do not sting or bite. However, they are detrimental to various crops, trees, and plants. They also excrete a sticky substance that promotes the growth of black sooty mold, which can be messy and harmful to plant health.

Why is it important to crush spotted lanternflies?

Crushing spotted lanternflies, specifically their egg masses, is crucial. You can trap the insects in a water bottle or use approved insecticides. The most effective method to prevent their spread is to destroy the egg masses by crushing them or scraping them into a container filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.

Is it necessary to report a spotted lanternfly sighting?

Yes, reporting sightings of spotted lanternflies is important. You can contact 1-888-4BAD-FLY (1-888-422-3359) for management advice or to report a sighting. Alternatively, sightings can also be reported online. Reporting helps in tracking and controlling the spread of this invasive species.

References

- https://extension.psu.edu/deciding-if-and-when-to-treat-for-spotted-lanternfly-on-ornamentals

Service Area:

Suffolk and Nassau County

What to Do When You Find a Spotted Lanternfly: A Complete Guide

September 10, 2024