Don’t Let Spotted Lanternflies Damage Your Property — Take Action Now
What is the Spotted Lanternfly?
The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect that threatens trees, crops, and gardens. Originally from Asia, it has spread quickly in the U.S., damaging agriculture and landscapes. Stopping the spread starts with awareness — know what to look for and how to act.
What to Look For
Eggs (Fall to Early Spring)
- Gray, mud-like patches on tree bark, rocks, outdoor furniture, or vehicles
- About 1 inch long, often laid in rows
- Looks like dried, cracked mud when old
Nymphs (Late Spring to Summer)
- Small and black with white spots (early stage)
- Later, they turn red with white spots and black stripes
- They hop rather than fly
Adults (Late Summer to Fall)
- About 1 inch long
- Gray wings with black spots
- Bright red underwings when flying
- Often found in swarms on tree trunks, branches, or outdoor structures
Why They’re a Problem
- Feed on over 70 different plant species, including grapes, maples, and fruit trees
- Weaken plants by sucking sap, leaving them vulnerable to disease
- Produce sticky “honeydew” that encourages mold growth
- It can cause serious economic damage to agriculture and landscaping
How to Prevent the Spread
- Check your car and belongings before traveling — eggs can hitchhike on vehicles, firewood, or outdoor gear
- Scrape and destroy egg masses (place in alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill them)
- Remove host plants such as the Tree of Heaven
- Don’t move firewood or outdoor items from infested areas
- Stomp and kill adults and nymphs when you see them
Quick Checklist
✔ Know what SLFs look like in each stage
✔ Inspect trees, outdoor items, and vehicles
✔ Scrape egg masses when found
✔ Kill nymphs and adults on sight
How Tree Spraying Helps Control Spotted Lanternflies
1. Kills Lanternflies on Contact
- Insecticidal sprays can kill nymphs and adults when applied directly to infested trees and plants.
- Especially effective in the summer and fall when SLFs gather in large groups.
2. Provides Residual Protection
- Certain sprays leave a protective layer on bark and foliage.
- This prevents lanternflies from feeding on the tree sap and reduces their survival rates.
3. Protects High-Value Trees
- Sprays are often used to protect fruit trees, vineyards, and ornamental trees.
- Targeted treatments help reduce crop damage and loss.
4. Breaks the Feeding Cycle
- By reducing SLF populations on key “host” trees (like Tree of Heaven), spraying disrupts their life cycle.
- This prevents them from reproducing and spreading to nearby areas.
5. Works Alongside Other Methods
- Spraying is most effective when combined with other prevention tactics:
- Scraping and destroying egg masses
- Using sticky bands to trap nymphs
- Removing preferred host plants
Why Hire an East End Tree & Lawn Spraying?
- Organic and conventional spraying services
- Locally and family-owned and -operated
- Owner on every job
- Certified arborists and fertilizer applicators
- Since 1978
- 45+ years of experience
- Estimates are ready promptly
- Quality care and prompt service
- We do what others can’t
- New York State-certified in public health
Call A East End Tree & Lawn Spraying for a free consultation with our owner for more info on how we can assist with prevention and treatment options for Spotted Lanternflies.
Mention our website for
$50 off
a complete spraying program!
Related Services
Learn More About
A East End Tree & Lawn Spraying
Share On: