Spotted lanternflies have become a growing problem throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. First discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014, these invasive pests spread quickly and now threaten trees, gardens, vineyards, and landscaping across the region.
If you’re seeing spotted lanternflies around your property, taking action early can help reduce damage and slow the spread of these destructive pests.
Spotted lanternflies are invasive planthoppers originally native to parts of Asia, including China, India, and Vietnam.
Although they are commonly called “flies,” spotted lanternflies are actually hopping insects that feed on plant sap using piercing mouthparts.
They are especially harmful to:
As populations grow, spotted lanternflies can severely weaken plants and trees by continuously feeding on them.
Spotted lanternflies damage plants by piercing stems and trunks to extract sap. Heavy feeding can lead to:
These pests also produce a sticky sugary waste called honeydew.
Honeydew buildup can:
Because spotted lanternflies feed on so many plant species, they pose a major threat to agriculture and landscaping throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
While professional treatment is often the best long-term solution, there are a few steps homeowners can take to help reduce spotted lanternfly activity.
One of the most effective prevention methods is destroying egg masses before they hatch.
To remove egg masses:
Removing eggs during fall, winter, and early spring can significantly reduce future populations.
A mixture of dish soap and water may kill visible nymphs on contact.
However, these treatments only affect lanternflies directly sprayed and do not provide long-term protection.
Shop vacuums can help remove large numbers of immature lanternflies before they develop wings.
Because lanternflies react quickly to movement, approaching from behind may improve success.
Although DIY methods may temporarily reduce visible activity, they rarely eliminate infestations completely.
Improper pesticide use can also:
Because spotted lanternflies spread rapidly and reproduce in large numbers, professional treatment is often necessary to effectively manage populations.
Professional spotted lanternfly services help target infestations while protecting surrounding vegetation and landscapes.
Depending on the property and location, treatments may include:
Viking Pest Control provides professional spotted lanternfly control services throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland.
Spotted lanternfly populations can grow rapidly if left untreated.
Early intervention helps:
Addressing infestations early is one of the most effective ways to protect your property from long-term damage.
If you’re noticing spotted lanternflies, egg masses, or signs of plant damage around your property, professional treatment can help reduce populations and protect your landscape.
Learn more about Viking Pest Control and request a free estimate for spotted lanternfly treatment today.