Spotted Lanternfly – Update!
As most of you know, Spotted Lanternflies are here! And, whether you’re walking around the local trails or even your own backyard, it’s almost impossible to avoid seeing them! These insects are highly invasive and are causing a significant amount of plant and tree loss in our local community.
According to the PA Department of Agriculture, there are 300 times more reports of Spotted Lanternflies this year as compared to the same time last year. Spotted Lanternflies are currently in their ‘late nymph’ and ‘adult’ phases.
Quick ways to get rid of Spotted Lanternflies:
- Stomp or swat – Use the bottom of your shoe or a fly swatter to kill hard-to-reach lanternflies!
- Remove with a vacuum – Use a shop vac or something similar to physically remove lanternflies from surfaces; make sure to empty carefully!
- Pesticides or home remedies – Spray plants with an EPA-approved insecticide or use home remedies such as vinegar or a 50/50 water and dish detergent solution to kill lanternflies!
Spotted Lanternflies are particularly attracted to the Tree of Heaven plant – a highly invasive species that produces large amounts of pollen and harms native plants. While removing Spotted Lanternflies, it’s a great idea to also remove invasive Tree of Heaven plants!
For help identifying these invasive species in your backyard, go to Spotted Lanternfly (psu.edu) and Tree-of-Heaven (psu.edu).
