If you’re dealing with spotted lanternflies, it’s important to know how to get rid of them to protect your plants and prevent the spread of this destructive pest. These insects have been spreading quickly across the U.S. over the past decade and show no signs of slowing down. Here’s a simple guide to identifying and eliminating spotted lanternflies using natural, non-toxic methods.
What Are Spotted Lanternflies?
Spotted lanternflies are native to China, Vietnam, and Taiwan. These invasive insects feed on plant sap and have become a major threat to trees and crops like grapes, hops, and apples. The first confirmed sighting in the U.S. was in Pennsylvania in 2014, and since then, they’ve spread quickly along the East Coast and into the Midwest.
Adults are about 1 inch long, with a striking appearance. They have bright red underwings and beige to mauve-colored forewings with black spots. Lanternflies are not strong fliers and often hitch rides on vehicles or other items transported between areas.
The Life Cycle of Spotted Lanternflies
Lanternfly females lay eggs in the fall, typically on their favorite host plant, the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but they’ll also lay eggs on other trees, cars, and hard surfaces like walls. These eggs look like dried blobs of mud or lichen and remain dormant through the winter. Come spring, the eggs hatch into nymphs, which are wingless and black-and-white spotted. They feed on plant sap throughout the summer, turning red as they mature into adults. The cycle repeats every year.
If you spot these pests, report them to your local agricultural department to help track their spread.
How to Spot a Lanternfly Infestation
Lanternflies are easy to spot with their bright colors and bold spots. During the day, they may gather at the base of infested plants or crawl up tree trunks in the evening. If you don’t see the bugs themselves, look out for these signs of an infestation:
- Honeydew and Sooty Mold: Lanternflies leave behind a sticky honeydew, which can cause dark patches of mold to form on plants. This mold can block sunlight, stunt plant growth, and reduce crop yields.
- Wilting and Plant Death: Heavy infestations can cause plants to wilt, curl their leaves, and eventually die.
- Oozing Sap: Trees or plants might leak sap from feeding spots, often with a fermented smell that attracts other pests.
- Egg Clusters: You may find clusters of brownish-gray egg deposits on tree trunks, lawn furniture, rocks, or even on your car.
How to Get Rid of Spotted Lanternflies
Getting rid of spotted lanternflies can be tough, but there are a variety of natural methods you can try to control them.
1. Remove Host Plants
The tree of heaven is the main host plant for lanternflies, so removing this tree from your yard can help limit their population. Cutting, girdling, or hand-pulling the tree can prevent regrowth, but it may take several attempts to fully remove it.
2. Tackle Eggs
In late fall and winter, check your trees and other hard surfaces for lanternfly eggs. Use a flat-edged tool (like an old credit card or spackling knife) to scrape the eggs off. Once removed, crush them, burn them, or drop them in a container with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
3. Handpicking and Vacuuming
For small infestations, you can simply pick the lanternflies off plants by hand and crush them. Larger infestations may be easier to deal with using a shop vacuum. However, keep in mind that the pests can survive the vacuuming process, so you might want to freeze the vacuum bag for a day or two before cleaning it out.
4. Use a Spray
Vinegar (white or apple cider) sprays can kill lanternflies on contact, as can neem oil, insecticidal soap sprays, and diatomaceous earth. Be mindful that these products can harm beneficial insects, so avoid spraying during the day or near flowering plants. You can also make your own DIY soap spray by mixing ¼ cup of Castile soap and 1 tablespoon of neem oil in 1 quart of water.
5. Sticky Bands
Sticky traps placed around tree trunks can capture lanternflies as they climb up and down. However, these can also trap pollinators and other wildlife, so be sure to cover the traps with screening or mesh to prevent accidental harm to birds or insects.
6. Circle Traps
Circle traps are a safer alternative to sticky bands. These traps funnel lanternflies into a bag, preventing them from escaping. You can buy these traps or easily make your own using window screening, a plastic bag, a zip tie, and a milk jug top.
7. Attract Natural Predators
Since lanternflies have no natural predators in North America, you can help by attracting animals that will eat them. Backyard chickens are great for controlling lanternfly populations, and you can also attract birds by adding feeders to your yard. Companion planting can also bring in beneficial insects like praying mantids, wheel bugs, spiders, and wasps.
8. Stay Consistent
The key to controlling lanternflies is persistence. Regularly check your plants for eggs, nymphs, and adults, and remove any you find. For even quicker results, combine several methods at once. For example, handpicking is more effective when used alongside circle traps and sprays.
By staying vigilant and using a combination of these natural techniques, you can help control lanternfly populations and protect your plants.
