Spotted LanternFly Control
RESPONSIBLE, RELIABLE, RELATIONAL
Have You Seen This Invasive Pest?
Spotted Lanternflies (SLF) are an invasive insect posing a serious threat to our local trees, plants, and agricultural industries here in the Hudson Valley. While they may look unique with their striking colors, don’t let their appearance fool you. They can cause significant damage to your landscape. Understanding what they look like and their lifecycle is the first step in protecting your property.
Identifying Spotted Lanternflies: What to Look For
Spotted Lanternflies undergo several distinct changes throughout the year. Knowing what to spot at each stage is crucial for early detection and effective management.
Egg Masses (Fall to Spring – roughly Sept-May):
- Look like a splotch of mud, typically 1 inch long.
- Found on trees, rocks, outdoor furniture, vehicles – almost any smooth surface.
- Contain 30-50 eggs.
Early Nymphs (Spring – roughly April-July):
- Small, black, with white spots.
- Cannot fly, move by jumping.
- Often found on tender new growth.
Late Nymphs (Summer – roughly July-Sept):
- Larger, black with white spots, and developing red patches.
- Still jump, cannot fly.
- More active, feeding on a wider range of plants.
Adults (Late Summer to Fall – roughly July-December):
- Large (about 1 inch long), with striking black-spotted forewings and bright red hindwings (visible when flying or disturbed).
- Strong jumpers and poor, clumsy fliers.
- Most visible stage, actively feeding and laying egg masses.
Plants at Risk & the Damage SLF Can Inflict
Spotted Lanternflies use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the sap of plants. This can lead to weeping wounds on the bark, sap oozing, and wilting, curling, or dieback of branches.
Honeydew & Sooty Mold: As they feed, SLF excrete a sugary substance called “honeydew.” This sticky residue attracts other insects (like ants, wasps, and bees) and, more significantly, promotes the growth of black sooty mold. Sooty mold covers leaves, branches, and surfaces below, inhibiting photosynthesis and making surfaces unsightly.
Impact: Repeated feeding can stress trees, reducing their vigor and making them more susceptible to other diseases or pests. In severe cases, it can lead to plant death.
Ready to protect your property?
Don’t let Spotted Lanternflies devastate your landscape. As certified and experienced local professionals, we offer effective and targeted treatment solutions to protect your valuable trees and shrubs. Our team is here to help you identify, manage, and prevent further damage from this invasive pest.
Contact us today for a professional Spotted Lanternfly inspection and treatment plan!