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You might know them (and hate them): spotted lanternflies.
Learn how to identify these insects and six ways to kill them to prevent damage to your landscape.
Meet the Expert
Brian Walshis a spotted lanternfly researcher with PennState Extension specializing in pest control methods.
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Why Are Spotted Lanternflies So Bad?
“The feeding can stress plants and cause localized branch damage,” Walsh says.
“It may contribute to the long-term weakening of established plants and trees.
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[Spotted lanterflies] are currently considered to be primarily a nuisance pest in ornamental landscapes.”
What Kills Spotted Lanternflies?
The program ofchemical-based insecticidesprays.
neem oil, insecticidal soaps, or natural pyrethrins can also be effective in killing spotted lanternflies.
Do this regularly because spotted lanternfly populations fluctuate throughout the growing season and from year to year.
This is one of the easiest methods if there are only a few pests.
Keep an eye on your landscape before you move to more aggressive methods.
Destroying the egg masses you might safely reach will help control the population of spotted lanternflies.
Apply them early in the spring because they are most effective for nymphs.
Unfortunately, they also trap beneficial insects and even birds and animals.
Circle traps are less likely to trap beneficial insects or animals.
They work best when placed about four feet from the ground and on smooth-barked trees.
Be sure to remove the traps at the end of the summer to reduce damage to the tree.
Because these products have low residual activity, repeated applications will be necessary to control an infestation.
Look forneem oil,paraffinic or horticultural oil, sprays withnatural pyrethrins, orinsecticidal soaps.
Some nymphs can become trapped and drown, but it is not an effective way to manage an infestation.
Spraying the insects directly with a homemade mixture of Fels Naptha soap and water is more beneficial.
Spotted Lanternfly Management for Landscape Professionals.PennState Extension.
How to Make a Spotted Lanternfly Circle Trap.PennState Extension.
