The spotted lanternfly originally came to the U.S. from their native China. It is not known how. They first appeared in Pennsylvania in the year 2014, and have since made their way to six other states, including New York and New Jersey. Spotted Lanternflys are considered to be a serious pest. They feed on the sap of trees, often weakening them, and in some cases causing them to die completely.
There is cause for concern now that the spotted lanternfly has become established in this country because after being introduced in Korea in 2006, the spotted lanternfly became an invasive species causing extensive damage. They can impact a number of cash crops, such as fruit orchards, grape vineyards, and nut trees, potentially causing damage which could soar into the billions of dollars.</p>
The information below will help you to identify the spotted lanternfly, so you can take the proper steps to eliminate them from your area, and protect your trees and vegetables from them.</p>
What Spotted Lanternfly damage look like?
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Here are some of the most common results which are easily observable after spotted lanternflies have been feeding on your trees or other plants:</p>
- leaves wilting or curling up
- sap spilling out of wounds made in the tree
- individual branches dying off
- unusual presence of ants or wasps around your tree, attracted by the honeydew excreted by the spotted lanternflies
- growth of sooty mold fungus on tree trunks and branches, encouraged by the presence of the excreted honeydew
How to Identify the NJ Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted lanternfly is fairly easy to identify due to its distinctive seasonal changes. In the spring, these pests appear all black with white spots on their bodies. As spring transitions into summer, their color changes to bright red with black stripes and white spots. By autumn, the spotted lanternfly matures into a flying insect with brown wings covered in black dots, one set of bright red wings with black dots, and a body striped in yellow and black.</p>
ta-is-last-node=”” data-is-only-node=””>You may also spot the eggs of the spotted lanternfly on tree trunks, lawn furniture, patio tiles, or other hard surfaces. The eggs are coated with a protective covering that looks like a blob of white-brown mud. Once they hatch, the insects use their piercing and sucking mouthparts to start extracting sap and nutrients from the trees they were born on.</p>
Which Trees Are Affected by Spotted Lanternfly
The tree most preferred by the spotted lanternfly is the tree-of-heaven, a species native to China and Taiwan. This tree spread to Europe and North America, where it is an invasive species and a highly undesirable weed. Its negative reputation comes from its ability to replicate rapidly and take over an environment once it establishes a foothold.
All other trees impacted by the spotted lanternfly are deciduous in nature, and they include apple trees, oaks, maples, nut trees, and willows. The pest will also victimize a number of different vegetables, herbs, and vines, as long as they can provide the sap it needs for feeding.</p></p>
What to do When You Find a Spotted Lanternfly
If you happen to have a tree-of-heaven in your yard, it would be wise to remove it completely. bec
ause it will serve as a powerful attractor to these insects. Lookout for clusters of their egg and destroy them so they don’t have a chance to hatch.
As soon as you spot a spotted lanternfly infestation in your yard, contact the Department of Agriculture (DOA) in New Jersey to report it. They send a representative to investigate and, if the infestation is confirmed, they take all necessary steps to remove the insects and any eggs present.</p>
Generally, the New Jersey DOA will require some form of information or documentation to confirm the presence of these flies. A quick phone call to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture will inform you of the required details, ensuring that a trip to your house isn’t wasted.</p>
Another common and safe alternative to killing the spotted lanternfly is to mix water with common house-hold dawn dish soap. Spraying this solution will kill the lanternflies and won’t damage your plants or harm domesticated animals. Using dish soap and water is one of the safest and most effective ways to combat spotted lanternflies.
Another common tactic for getting rid of spotted lanternflies involves using fly tape. Fly tape, a sticky tape typically used to trap and kill houseflies, also catches spotted lanternflies. However, you should know that other insects or animals, including birds, can get trapped in the sticky tape. This method can harm birds and other essential insects in our ecosystem. If you decide to use fly tape, make sure to fence off.
If you have any more questions on how to deal with these invasive pests, please contact us today! Our experienced staff is happy to assist you.