The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive planthopper native to Asia that was first detected in the United States in 2014. This pest feeds on the sap of a wide variety of plants, including fruit trees, grapevines, and hardwoods, weakening the host and reducing crop yields. The insect excretes a sugary substance called honeydew, which encourages the growth of sooty mold, further damaging plants and creating a nuisance for property owners. Controlling its spread requires a multi-faceted approach, combining physical removal, natural deterrents, and managing its preferred habitat.
Mechanical and Physical Prevention
Physical intervention is an effective method for immediately reducing Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) populations on your property. One of the simplest methods involves manually killing the insects by stomping or crushing nymphs and adults. For larger concentrations, a handheld vacuum cleaner can be used to quickly collect the insects, which should then be emptied into a container of soapy water or rubbing alcohol to ensure they are killed.
Trapping is an excellent control measure, particularly for the non-flying nymph stage, which is known to climb trees. Sticky bands wrapped around tree trunks can capture these climbing nymphs, but they pose a risk to non-target wildlife like birds and small mammals. To prevent this accidental trapping, commercially available sticky bands must be covered with a protective layer, such as a wire cage or window screening.
A safer alternative to sticky bands is the “circle trap,” a type of funnel trap that directs SLF into a collection container without using any adhesive material. These traps can be purchased or constructed at home and are less likely to capture birds or other beneficial insects. During the late fall and winter, a single female SLF can lay at least two egg masses, each containing 30 to 50 eggs, making egg mass removal a high-impact control strategy. The masses, which resemble smears of mud or cracked putty, should be scraped off the surface using a plastic card or putty knife. The scraped material must be immediately sealed in a bag or container filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to ensure the eggs are destroyed.
Natural and DIY Repellent Sprays
For direct intervention, homemade sprays can be used as a contact killer to target the Spotted Lanternfly. A simple solution of water mixed with dish soap acts as a contact insecticide by dissolving the insect’s protective outer layer, causing it to dehydrate. A common recipe involves mixing equal parts of water and liquid dish soap, which should be sprayed directly onto the pests.
Another popular option is to combine water with natural oils, which can be effective deterrents and contact killers. Neem oil, derived from the seeds of the neem tree, is a pesticide that can kill SLF upon direct contact. Essential oils, such as peppermint, garlic, or tea tree oil, can also be mixed into a spray solution, as their strong scents may deter the insects from certain surfaces.
These homemade solutions are strictly contact treatments and offer no residual protection once the spray dries. It is important to test any soap or oil solution on a small section of a plant before widespread application, as these mixtures can sometimes cause leaf damage. Applying these sprays directly to the pest is the most effective approach, rather than attempting to coat entire plants.
Targeting the Primary Host Plant
The Spotted Lanternfly has a strong preference for the invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), which plays a role in the pest’s life cycle. This tree, originally from China, can be identified by its large, compound leaves and a rancid odor when crushed. Identifying and managing this host plant is a strategy for reducing local SLF populations.
The most effective approach is a selective reduction of the Tree of Heaven population, often called the “trap tree” method. This strategy involves removing about 90% of the Tree of Heaven on a property, leaving a few select, healthy trees to act as decoys. The remaining trap trees are then treated with a systemic insecticide, which is absorbed into the plant tissue.
When SLF feeds on the sap of these treated trap trees, they ingest the systemic insecticide and are killed. This targeted chemical control is more efficient and reduces the need for broad-spectrum spraying across the landscape. Due to the specialized nature of systemic insecticide application, which often involves trunk injection or basal bark treatment, this method is typically best performed by a certified professional.