Spotted Lanternfly Prevention

Spotted Lanternfly Prevention: How to Protect Your Property from this Invasive Pest

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species that has been causing significant damage to agricultural crops, forests, and ornamental plants across the United States. If you live in an area where spotted lanternflies are present, it's crucial to take steps to prevent their spread and protect your property. Here are some effective prevention methods:

Check for Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses

• Locate the egg masses: Spotted lanternfly egg masses are usually laid on flat surfaces, such as tree trunks, rocks, or outdoor furniture. Look for them in late fall through early spring when they are most visible.
  
  
• Scrape the egg masses: Wear gloves to protect your hands from the sticky substance that covers the egg masses. Use a plastic card, such as an old credit card or a putty knife, to gently scrape the egg masses off the surface they are attached to. Try to remove as much of the egg mass as possible.
  
  
• Collect the egg masses: Place the egg masses in a sealable plastic bag or container filled with rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl) or hand sanitizer to kill the eggs. Make sure to label the container with the date and location of where the egg masses were collected.
  
  
• Dispose of the egg masses: Seal the bag or container and throw it away in the trash. Do not compost or discard egg masses in natural areas, as this can spread the infestation.
  
  
• Monitor the area: Keep an eye out for any new egg masses or adult lanternflies in the area and continue to scrape and collect them to prevent further infestations.

Use Sticky Tape

Sticky bands, also known as sticky tape or sticky traps, are an effective tool used to prevent the spread and infestation of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species that has become a significant pest in certain areas of the United States.

HUNDREDS of nymphs on sticky tape

These sticky bands consist of a sticky adhesive substance coated on a durable, weather-resistant material such as plastic or paper. They are typically wrapped around the trunks of trees or other surfaces that spotted lanternflies are known to climb on, such as fence posts or garden stakes.

When the spotted lanternflies attempt to climb the trees or other surfaces, they become trapped in the sticky bands, preventing them from reaching the upper parts of the tree or moving to other areas. The bands can also capture other insects, such as ants, flies, and bees, but they are not harmful to beneficial insects such as bees.

Sticky bands can be applied to trees as a preventative measure in the early spring before the spotted lanternfly nymphs emerge. The bands should be checked and replaced regularly, especially after heavy rainfall or when they become covered in debris.

Use extreme caution with sticky tape. Wildlife like squirrels and birds can and HAVE gotten stuck on the tape. This can injure or kill them. The tape works extraordinarily well, but use your best judgement in how and where to use it to avoid innocent wildlife injuries. The Penn State extension has actually called on the population to stop using sticky tape for wildlife concerns. 

Many people have created ways of home engineering ways of keeping wildlife away from the sticky tape while still allowing the SLF to get caught on the tape. Please use your best judgement!

Use Insecticides

Insecticides can be effective in controlling spotted lanternfly populations, but they should be used with caution. Always read the label and follow the instructions carefully. Insecticides can be harmful to beneficial insects, including bees and butterflies, so use them sparingly and only when necessary.

One of the most commonly used pesticides for spotted lanternflies is Dinotefuran. It is used in the form of a systemic insecticide that is applied to the roots of plants. When absorbed by the roots, the pesticide spreads throughout the plant, including the leaves and stems, and kills the insects that feed on them.

Another pesticide used for controlling spotted lanternflies is Imidacloprid, which is also a systemic insecticide. It is applied to the soil around the base of the plant, and it is absorbed by the roots, which then distribute it throughout the plant.

Spinosad is another pesticide used to control spotted lanternflies. It is applied as a foliar spray and is effective against the nymphs and adult insects.

These pesticides work by interfering with the nervous system of the spotted lanternflies, leading to paralysis and death. Systemic insecticides, such as Dinotefuran and Imidacloprid, are particularly effective because they are absorbed by the plant and spread throughout the plant's tissues, providing long-term protection against the insects. Foliar sprays, like Spinosad, are also effective but need to be reapplied regularly to maintain their effectiveness.

It is important to note that the use of pesticides should always be carried out according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer and under the guidance of a licensed pest control professional to ensure their proper and safe use.

Report Sightings

If you see a spotted lanternfly on your property or in your community, report it to your state's agricultural department immediately. Early detection is critical in preventing the spread of these pests. Your state's agricultural department can provide guidance on how to handle the situation and prevent further spread.

For example the Penn State extension has a site where you can report where and when you saw an SLF in PA. Affected states likely have their own reporting system as well.  

It's important to note that reporting does not mean the state will send someone to your property to remove the flies, it simply helps the department understand where and when the flies are to understand their spread and propagation in order to crack down on the spread. Removal is generally up to you.

Check your vehicles and outdoor equipment 

Spotted lanternflies can hitchhike on vehicles, outdoor equipment, and other outdoor items, so it's important to thoroughly inspect them and remove any spotted lanternflies or egg masses before moving them. Be extra cautious when traveling to areas that are not in a quarantine zone, or have not yet experienced Spotted Lanternfly invasions. Those taking road trips from the East Coast to the West Coast should be especially cautious.

Promote Native Plants: 

Promote the growth of native plants in your garden or landscape, as they are less attractive to Spotted Lanternfly.

Collaborate with Neighbors: 

Collaborate with neighbors and community groups to coordinate Spotted Lanternfly management efforts.

Remove tree-of-heaven trees

Spotted lanternflies prefer to lay their eggs on the tree-of-heaven, which is an invasive plant species. Removing these trees can help to reduce the spotted lanternfly population.

Avoid unintentional item transport 

Do not move firewood or other outdoor items from areas known to have spotted lanternflies. 

•  Use locally sourced firewood: Use firewood that has been harvested within 10 miles of your location, or from a state-certified pest-free area.
  
  
• Burn firewood completely: Burn all the firewood completely before leaving the area. Do not bring any unused firewood home.
  
  
• Inspect firewood: Inspect the firewood for egg masses or live insects before bringing it to your home or camping site.
  
  
• Store firewood off the ground: Store the firewood off the ground, at least 50 feet away from your home or other buildings.

Transporting known SLF vector material, such as firewood, may actually be illegal in your area due to a violation of SLF Quarantine rules. Check your local area for guidelines. 

See the most recent quarantine guidelines in PA per the PA Dept of Agriculture