The spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, is an invasive insect first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014. Native to Asia, this planthopper has rapidly spread across the United States. Many people wonder if spotted lanternflies bite humans. This article clarifies the insect’s true nature and impact.
Do Lanternflies Bite Humans?
Spotted lanternflies do not bite or sting humans or pets. Their mouthparts are specifically adapted for feeding on plant sap. These insects possess piercing-sucking mouthparts, designed to penetrate plant tissue and access sugary sap within a plant’s vascular system.
Spotted lanternflies primarily feed on the sap of a wide range of plants, including trees, vines, and agricultural crops. They lack chewing mouthparts or stinging mechanisms. Therefore, there is no direct physical danger to people or animals from an encounter with a spotted lanternfly.
Their Real Impact
Spotted lanternflies are a significant agricultural and environmental pest, though they do not pose a direct threat to human safety. They feed voraciously on plant sap, which weakens plants and reduces their vigor. This feeding can lead to wilting, leaf curling, and branch dieback in affected trees and vines.
Their feeding also results in the excretion of “honeydew,” a sticky, sugary waste product. This honeydew accumulates on surfaces, attracting other insects like wasps and promoting black sooty mold growth. Sooty mold covers leaves, inhibiting photosynthesis and stressing the plant. It can also make outdoor surfaces slippery and unsightly. The spotted lanternfly is particularly damaging to economically important crops such as grapevines, fruit trees, hops, and various hardwood trees.
What to Do
Individuals who encounter spotted lanternflies can take several actions to help manage their populations. Experts advise killing these insects upon sight, often by stomping on them. Their quick jumping ability means a direct approach from the front is often more effective than attempting to sneak up from behind.
Reporting sightings to local agricultural departments or extension offices is an important step, especially if the insect is found in a new area. These reports help authorities track the spread of the invasive species and implement targeted management strategies. Additionally, checking vehicles and outdoor items for adult lanternflies or their egg masses before traveling can prevent their accidental spread. Egg masses, typically laid on hard surfaces, can be scraped off and destroyed, ideally by placing them in a sealed bag with rubbing alcohol.