If you come across a spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), it is crucial to take immediate action and eliminate it. This invasive insect, native to China, has become a significant threat to agriculture, ecosystems, and plant life in the United States since its first appearance in Pennsylvania in 2014. The spread of lanternflies poses a serious risk to the health of various plant species and the broader environment, particularly because of the damage they cause through their feeding habits and the secondary effects of their presence.

Spotted lanternflies are sap-feeding insects that use their specialized needle-like mouthparts to pierce trees and plants, draining them of their vital nutrients. This constant feeding weakens the plants and trees, making them vulnerable to disease and other environmental stresses. The damage is not limited to individual plants—entire agricultural systems, including vineyards, orchards, and hardwood forests, have been affected. Lanternflies target more than 70 species of plants, including economically important crops like grapes, apples, hops, and various hardwood trees.

The insect’s feeding also promotes the growth of sooty mold, a harmful black fungus that thrives on the honeydew lanternflies excrete as they feed. The honeydew creates a sticky coating on leaves, stems, and the ground around the infested plants, fostering mold growth that blocks sunlight and inhibits photosynthesis. As a result, plants are further weakened, reducing their ability to grow, produce fruit, or even survive. This combination of direct feeding damage and the indirect effects of sooty mold has led to widespread agricultural losses and environmental disruption in areas where lanternflies have established themselves.

Adult spotted lanternflies are visually distinctive and relatively easy to identify. They are about one inch long and feature striking gray wings with black spots and bold red and black underwings, which are often hidden unless the insect is in flight. Their hind wings are vibrantly colored, making them more noticeable when they jump or fly. The nymphs, or immature lanternflies, undergo several stages of development and have a different appearance than adults. Early-stage nymphs are black with white spots, while later-stage nymphs turn bright red with white patches before maturing into their adult form.

Because lanternflies reproduce quickly and spread rapidly, it’s essential to take decisive action when they are spotted. They typically lay their eggs on a wide variety of surfaces, including tree trunks, rocks, outdoor furniture, vehicles, and even buildings. The egg masses look like grayish or mud-like smears and are laid in the fall, containing anywhere from 30 to 50 eggs each. These egg masses are often inconspicuous and can survive winter conditions, making it easy for them to be transported to new locations and further spread the infestation.

To control the lanternfly population and prevent their spread, there are several steps you can take if you encounter these insects:

1. Eliminate Adults and Nymphs: If you see an adult lanternfly or a nymph, the most straightforward action is to squash them on sight. While it may seem a small effort, every lanternfly killed helps reduce the overall population, slowing their spread and reducing the damage they cause.
2. Destroy Egg Masses: Identifying and destroying egg masses is critical to controlling the next generation of lanternflies. Use a scraper or a similar tool to carefully remove the egg masses from surfaces. Once removed, place them in a sealable plastic bag filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill the eggs. This method ensures that the eggs cannot hatch and further spread the infestation.
3. Report Sightings: If you encounter lanternflies in areas where they have not been previously reported, it’s essential to notify local agricultural or environmental authorities. Many states have set up dedicated hotlines or online forms where you can report sightings, helping track the spread of the insect and enabling quicker responses to new infestations.
4. Inspect Outdoor Items: Lanternflies are notorious for hitching rides on vehicles, outdoor equipment, and other items that are frequently moved between locations. Before traveling or moving outdoor objects, inspect them for egg masses or adult lanternflies. This simple step can prevent the unintentional spread of the insect to new areas.
5. Use Traps and Insecticides: In areas with severe infestations, some homeowners and farmers use specialized traps or insecticides to control lanternfly populations. Sticky traps placed around tree trunks can capture nymphs and adults, while targeted insecticide treatments may be applied to high-risk plants. However, it is essential to use these methods responsibly, following guidelines to avoid harm to beneficial insects and wildlife.

Given the potential for widespread damage to agriculture and native ecosystems, it’s vital that everyone remain vigilant in controlling lanternfly populations. While they may seem like a localized problem, lanternflies have the potential to spread across state lines, impacting farms, forests, and gardens throughout the country.

By acting swiftly—whether by eliminating adults and nymphs, scraping off egg masses, or reporting sightings—you can play a crucial role in protecting our environment and preventing the further spread of this destructive pest.