The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive planthopper that poses a significant threat to agriculture and forestry across the eastern United States. This pest has a wide host range, feeding on over 70 plant species, including grapevines, fruit trees, and various hardwood trees. Homeowners can manage localized populations through trapping, which offers a highly effective, non-chemical method of control. Trapping exploits the insect’s natural behavior of climbing tree trunks to reach feeding sites in the canopy. The design of these traps is specifically tailored to intercept the flightless nymph stages and mobile adults as they move along the bark.
Constructing and Deploying Circle Traps
The circle trap, a funnel-style design, is widely recommended by entomologists because it significantly reduces the risk of capturing non-target wildlife. This device works by creating a skirt of netting that directs climbing lanternflies into a collection container at the top. To construct a trap, you will need a piece of plastic-coated insect screening, a collection container such as a plastic zip-top bag or jar, and a funnel made from the tops of two plastic milk jugs.
The construction begins by securely taping the cut-off tops of two milk jugs together to form a double-sided funnel. Next, a rectangle of insect screening is folded, and a small half-circle notch is cut out of the top center. This notch allows the screening to be attached directly to the funnel opening using hot glue or strong weatherproof tape. The mesh material should overlap and be stapled along the seam to create a closed cone, or skirt, that wraps around the tree.
To provide structure, thin wooden strips are attached to the mesh with a staple gun; one strip runs vertically against the tree, and a shorter strip supports the outer edge of the funnel away from the trunk. Bendable wire, such as a straightened coat hanger, is often integrated into the mesh to help the skirt flare out, creating a wider catchment area. The final step involves securing the collection bag or jar over the opposite end of the funnel with a zip tie or strong rubber band. This container ensures that once the insects climb into the trap, they cannot escape back down the funnel.
Safe Implementation of Sticky Band Traps
Sticky bands, strips of adhesive material wrapped around a tree trunk, are a common trapping method but require caution due to their indiscriminate nature. These traps can inadvertently capture beneficial insects, small mammals, songbirds, and bats, potentially leading to injury or death. For this reason, a wildlife exclusion barrier is required when using this method. The sticky band should be installed tightly against the tree bark, approximately four feet from the ground.
Once the adhesive band is in place, it must be covered completely with a protective layer of vinyl window screening or hardware cloth. This barrier is secured to the trunk a few inches above the sticky band, creating a small, open gap between the screen and the adhesive material. This configuration allows small-bodied lanternfly nymphs to crawl underneath the screening and onto the sticky surface. Larger creatures are prevented from contacting the adhesive, as they will hit the non-sticky screen instead.
To minimize the risk of non-target capture, the sticky material should be cut into a narrower strip, no more than five inches wide. This reduces the sticky surface area while remaining effective, as lanternflies are trapped from the bottom edge upward. Daily monitoring is recommended to quickly address unintended captures and remove debris. If a non-target animal is trapped, cover the exposed sticky material before carefully removing the entire band and contacting a local wildlife rehabilitation center.
Optimal Placement and Maintenance Strategies
Maximizing trap effectiveness depends on correct placement and consistent maintenance throughout the season. Traps should be installed on trees where lanternflies are actively feeding, including preferred hosts like the invasive Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), black walnut, red maple, or river birch. Their presence is often indicated by a sticky residue called honeydew, which leads to the growth of black sooty mold on the trunk and surrounding plants.
The ideal time to deploy traps is in late spring (late April or early May) to intercept the first instar nymphs as they emerge and begin climbing. Traps installed about four feet from the base of the tree consistently yield high catch rates for nymphs and adults. Ensure the bottom edge of the trap’s skirt is flush against the bark, as any gaps allow the lanternflies to bypass the trap.
Regular maintenance is necessary for both trap types to ensure continued success and prevent specimen degradation. Circle traps should be checked and emptied weekly or biweekly, requiring more frequent attention during high infestation periods. Captured lanternflies can be euthanized by sealing the collection bag and submerging it in soapy water for 24 to 48 hours. At the end of the season, remove all trap components from the tree to prevent bark damage and allow for cleaning and storage.