Spotted Lanternfly
What To Do About These Invasive Insects
Spotted Lanternfly Management Program
The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive insect first detected in 2014 in Berks County, PA. Since then, the pests have spread to 13 counties currently under quarantine. Lancaster County is included in the quarantine to prevent further infestation and damage to plant life. Our staff is here to assist you if you have a Spotted Lanternfly issue on your property.
Program Details
Tomlinson Bomberger offers a Spotted Lanternfly management program with a personalized recommendation tailored to each property. Our program’s foundation comes from the Penn State Extension offices’ recommendations. It includes an inspection of your property, removal of host Ailanthus plants, instruction on the use of sticky bands, and a program of population management treatments on target plants.
Please contact us for your free consultation today!
The Spotted Lanternfly Invasion
The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect species native to Southeast Asia. Its U.S. arrival began in 2014 and has spread to 13 counties in southeastern Pennsylvania, including Lancaster, Lebanon, and Chester. Possible egg sites include vehicles, campers, yard furniture, woodpiles, farm equipment, or other items you store outdoors.
Do You Have Spotted Lanternfly on Your Property?
The most common tree affected is the Tree of Heaven. Other vulnerable trees include Red and Silver Maples, Birch, Sumac, Willow, and Walnut as the main targeted tree species. If you have any of these trees on your property, you’re at a higher risk for a full-scale infestation.
Evidence of Spotted Lanternfly
- Black mold on bark and leaves is called “black sooty mold.”
- Tree trunks (commonly) covered in egg masses on flat surfaces in a gray substance similar to putty.
- Weeping sap wounds that you might see on tree trunks.
- Black or red instars (young) or adult lanternflies feed on trees.
How To Manage the Spotted Lanternfly
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Remove Ailanthus Trees (aka “Trees-of-Heaven”)
If you have an ailanthus tree on your property, we recommend removing this tree to manage this pest.
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Collect Egg Masses
Scrape eggs masses into a bottle or sandwich bag containing rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. By doing so, you will kill the eggs, so they do not hatch. Visit the Penn State Extension for more information.
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Apply Sticky Bands to Trees
Wrap tree trunks in a sticky material that attracts nymphs. Once stuck, the nymphs won’t feed and reach adulthood. If using sticky bands, we recommend adding a wildlife barrier over the bands such as mesh or screening to prevent harming wildlife.
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Use Pesticides
A combination of systemic and contact pesticides seems to be effective. Now, you can purchase products labeled for use on the Spotted Lanternfly.
Find the Services Available to You
Our service area includes Lancaster, York, Lebanon, Berks, Dauphin, and Cumberland Counties. Service availability may vary due to geography. Enter your zip code to see what services are offered in your area.
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