What Kills Lantern Flies? Answered

With lanternflies continuing to wreak havoc on gardens and trees, many homeowners are wondering how to get rid of them. This question is more relevant than ever as these invasive pests spread rapidly across multiple states.

The spotted lanternfly is notorious for damaging grapevines and the tree of heaven, but its impact on other plants is still being studied. Without the right intervention strategies, these pests can quickly turn from a minor annoyance into a serious threat to local ecosystems and agriculture.

In this guide, we’ll cover various methods for controlling lanternfly populations—from simple, hands-on techniques to natural and chemical solutions. Whether you’re tackling your first infestation or looking for new strategies, we’ve got tips that will help you protect your green spaces and restore balance to your outdoor environment.

Spotting the Spotted Lanternfly

The Spotted Lanternfly goes through several distinct life stages, each with unique characteristics that make them easier to identify. They begin as black and white nymphs and later develop vibrant red wings as adults. Knowing how to identify them at different stages is crucial in controlling their spread.

Identifying the Stages of the Lanternfly Life Cycle:

1. Egg Mass (Late Fall–Early Spring): Females lay their egg masses on trees, rocks, or even smooth surfaces like outdoor furniture. Each mass contains up to 50 eggs, making early identification and removal critical for population control. Scraping off these egg masses is a proven method to control lanternfly numbers.

2. Nymph (Early Stage, Late April–Early June): Eggs hatch into black nymphs with white spots. These small, active nymphs feed on the leaves and stems of a wide variety of plants, weakening them in the process.

3. Nymph (Late Stage, July): As nymphs mature, they develop red patches along with their black and white spots. This stage sees increased mobility and feeding, making them a more obvious threat.

4. Adult (Late July–Early August): By late summer, lanternflies reach adulthood. The adults are the most noticeable stage, with their distinct black-spotted wings and vibrant red underwings. They become more active and can be seen congregating on trees, plants, and even the sides of buildings.

5. Winter Preparation: Adults die off in the cold months, but not before laying egg masses that will hatch in the following spring, continuing the cycle.

   
   

Understanding these stages can help you choose the right control methods at the right time, targeting the vulnerable points in their lifecycle. Early intervention—such as removing egg masses or applying insecticides during specific nymph stages—can prevent widespread infestations and reduce damage to your trees and garden.

Recognizing Signs of Damage

Lanternflies pose a significant threat to various plants, including grapevines, hardwood trees, and the tree of heaven, which they use as a preferred host for feeding and egg-laying. These pests feed on the sap of the plants, weakening them significantly. In some cases, heavy feeding can stunt plant growth, cause leaf wilting, or even lead to plant death. Infestations are currently affecting 14 U.S. states, harming both local ecosystems and agricultural economies.

Recognizing early signs of damage is crucial for catching an infestation before it gets out of hand. Some of the most common indicators include:

• Sap Oozing or Weeping: Lanternflies pierce the plant stems and trunks to feed on sap, leaving behind wounds that ooze or weep, often attracting other insects like ants and wasps.

• Sooty Mold Growth: As lanternflies feed, they excrete a sugary substance known as honeydew. This sticky liquid coats leaves and can lead to the growth of black sooty mold, which interferes with photosynthesis.

• Stunted Growth and Premature Leaf Drop: Plants affected by heavy feeding may exhibit stunted growth and lose leaves prematurely.

• Plant Weakness or Death: If the feeding persists over several seasons, it can weaken plants to the point of death, especially if combined with other stress factors like disease or drought.

  
  

By identifying these signs early on, you can take proactive steps to protect your plants and minimize the damage caused by lanternflies.

Strategies for Controlling Lanternflies

There are several ways to manage lanternfly infestations effectively. Here are some mechanical, biological, and chemical methods that have proven successful:

Mechanical Removal Methods

Mechanical removal is often the first line of defense for homeowners and gardeners. These hands-on strategies are straightforward and can be highly effective if done consistently.

1. Scraping Egg Masses: Use a plastic card, putty knife, or similar tool to scrape egg masses off surfaces. After scraping, place them in a plastic bag filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill the eggs.

2. Sticky Bands Around Trees: Wrap sticky bands around tree trunks to trap nymphs as they climb. Check and replace the bands regularly to ensure they remain effective.

3. Vacuuming and Hand Removal: For small-scale infestations, vacuuming or physically removing the bugs can be an immediate solution. Hand-squishing may not be pleasant but is effective for small numbers.

4. Tree Removal: If you have a large number of tree of heaven on your property, consider removing them, as they are a preferred host for lanternflies.

5. Netting and Traps: Use fine netting around young trees and valuable plants during peak activity months. This prevents access to flying adults and reduces damage.

   
   

Biological Control Options

Biological control involves using natural predators and organisms to keep lanternfly populations in check. Although research is still ongoing, several promising biological methods have emerged:

1. Encourage Natural Predators: Birds, spiders, and praying mantises are known to feed on lanternflies. Attracting these predators to your garden can help naturally reduce populations.

2. Trap Trees: Deliberately infest certain trees, then treat those trees with targeted insecticides. This approach concentrates lanternflies in a specific area, making it easier to apply treatments effectively.

3. Parasitic Wasps and Fungal Pathogens: Researchers are exploring the use of parasitic wasps that target lanternflies, as well as fungal pathogens like Beauveria bassiana, which can kill lanternflies without harming other species.

   
   

Chemical Control Solutions

When mechanical and biological methods aren’t enough, chemical control can be a highly effective option for managing lanternfly populations. However, it’s essential to choose products carefully and follow application guidelines to minimize impact on non-target species and the environment.

1. Contact Insecticides: These work by killing lanternflies on contact and provide immediate relief. Examples include pyrethroids and neonicotinoids, which should be applied during the nymph and adult stages.

2. Systemic Insecticides: Systemic insecticides like Imidacloprid are absorbed by the plant and kill lanternflies when they feed on the sap. This type of insecticide is ideal for long-lasting control and protecting high-value trees.

3. Biopesticides and Organic Options: Use natural options like insecticidal soaps and neem oil to suffocate and kill lanternflies without harming plants.

4. Wide-Area Treatment: If you’re dealing with a large-scale infestation, consider broad-spectrum insecticides to ensure thorough coverage.

   
   

Prevention: Stopping Lanternflies Before They Spread

Preventing lanternfly infestations is often more manageable than controlling them after they’ve established a presence. To minimize the risk of an infestation, take the following preventive measures:

Techniques for Egg Mass Removal:

• Regularly inspect trees and other surfaces where lanternflies may lay eggs.

• Scrape off egg masses in the fall and early spring, and dispose of them in a container with rubbing alcohol to kill the eggs.

  
  

Managing Habitats:

• Remove tree of heaven, a favorite host plant for lanternflies.

• Plant native trees and shrubs that are less appealing to lanternflies.

• Check and clean outdoor items like firewood, lawn equipment, and vehicles for egg masses before moving them to new locations.

  
  

Environmental Impact Considerations

When dealing with invasive species like the spotted lanternfly, it’s essential to consider the potential effects of your control methods on non-target species and the environment. Choose products and practices that minimize harm to beneficial insects, birds, and the broader ecosystem. For example, opt for natural insecticides and carefully dispose of egg masses to avoid contaminating soil and water.

Taking Action Against Lanternflies

Effectively controlling spotted lanternflies is crucial for preserving your garden and protecting local ecosystems. By understanding the life cycle of these pests and implementing mechanical, biological, and chemical control strategies, you can significantly reduce their impact. Regularly scraping off egg masses, removing host plants, and choosing safe application methods will help manage infestations and support the health of your trees and crops.

If you’re struggling to get lanternflies under control or are concerned about the safety of your control methods, consider reaching out to professionals for help.

Don't let lanternflies destroy your beautiful garden and trees. Mosquito-Man's professional team specializes in safe, effective pest management. Whether you need help identifying the problem, removing egg masses, or applying treatments, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you take back your outdoor spaces!