Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) or SLF, is an invasive insect pest from Asia that primarily feeds on trees of heaven (Alianthus altissima) but can also feed on a wide variety of plants such as grapevine, hops, maple, walnut, and fruit trees.
SLF is an invasive, non-native insect that feeds on more than 100 plant species, including tree-of-heaven, and plants and crops, such as grapes, that are critical to New York's agricultural economy.
However, in an effort to slow the spread of this species, if you see a Spotted Lanternfly you should squish and dispose of it. You should thoroughly inspect vehicles, luggage and gear, and all outdoor items for egg masses and adult SLF before leaving the New York City region.
Are spotted lanternflies dangerous to people or pets? No – they do not bite or sting people or animals. However, similar to aphids, they excrete a sugary substance called honeydew that can attract stinging insects.
Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive planthopper that feeds on a wide range of plants, including grapes, hops, stone fruits, and hardwood trees. When the spotted lanternfly feeds, it excretes a sticky, sugary fluid that causes sooty mold, which can further damage plants.
They don't bite or sting but their large numbers and messy honeydew can be a nuisance. Spotted lanternfly feed in large numbers, which can be a nuisance.
The lanternfly is not like boxelder bugs or Asian ladybird beetles or brown marmorated stink bugs that get into homes in search of someplace to live out the winter. "This insect, there's no evidence they're looking for this," Korman said of the lanternfly, which dies in winter. "It should not be a household pest."
“If you see a spotted lanternfly, yes, we really do want you to squish it if you can. Then, take a photo or two and report it to us through the online Eyes in the Field reporting system,” said Miller.
Stop the Spread
Check for SLF egg masses from fall to summer. Remember, egg masses may be underneath your vehicle or in your wheel well. During the growing season, check for nymphs and adults, and keep your windows rolled up when you park. Don't store things or park under infested trees, and don't move firewood.
Some general predators have been observed eating spotted lanternflies, such as praying mantis, wheel bugs and spiders.
When the adults emerge from June-August, control them with an insecticide application. Ortho® BugClear™ Insect Killer for Lawns & Landscapes Ready-To-Spray will kill spotted lanternfly on contact when applied following label directions.
Spotted lanternfly eggs hatching across NYC now: What to expect in summer 2024. The spotted lanternfly is expected to return this summer to NYC. Here's everything you need to know about the invasive insect in NY, NJ and CT. Cornell Cooperative Extension receives 5 to 10 calls a day about the lanternfly.
The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) (SLF) is an invasive pest, primarily known to feed on tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) but has many other host plants, including grape, hop, apple, stone fruit, maple, poplar, walnut, and willow.
This year's list includes a “plant bug” named after outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris: Pseudoloxops kamalaharrisae, a yellow creature with long antennae found in French Polynesia. Another bug was named for actor Harrison Ford.
“In spiritual contexts, the lanternfly represents spiritual growth. Its metamorphosis mirrors personal transformation – from vulnerability to strength. It could symbolize overcoming obstacles like shedding old beliefs or habits for new ones.
The Department of Agriculture strongly encourages people to stomp, squash or swat lanternflies when they see them. While spotted lanternflies are harmless to humans, they are an invasive species that can cause widespread economic harm, primarily by damaging plants, including grapevines.
You can make a homemade spotted lanternfly spray using any combination of natural ingredients effective at repelling these pests. Some of the best sprays are made with rubbing alcohol, vinegar and water. You can also use dish soap and apple cider vinegar to make an effective combination that deals with lanternflies.
Tree of heaven is abundant in southeastern Pennsylvania, where spotted lanternfly is found. The prevalence and pervasiveness of tree of heaven provides a readily available food source for the spotted lanternfly, allowing them to multiply and expand their range.
White vinegar in a spray bottle is suggested to kill lanternflies almost instantly. Equal amounts of Dawn dish soap and water in a spray bottle is also an option to kill both live lanternflies and lanternfly eggs. Clean the dead bugs and eggs after use to avoid mold.
The Spottled Lanternfly is not harmful to humans. They do not sting or bite, but they can be very destructive to many crops, trees and plants. They can also make a mess in your yard by excreting a sticky substance that causes the growth of black sooty mold.
“The spotted lanternfly's favorite food is tree-of-heaven,” Sabo said. And that could be a good thing. If the spotted lanternfly sticks mostly to the tree-of-heaven, it may prevent them from destroying other crops. The spotted laternfly causes damage to the trees where they make their home.
So how long do spotted lanternflies live? These bugs have a relatively short lifespan, living only about one year from egg to adult. By the time they reach adulthood in late summer or early fall, their time is almost up – they'll only live for a few more weeks before they die off.
Spotted lanternflies are sap-sucking insects and their spread is potentially detrimental to the health of the plants they feed on in their introduced ranges. Some of these are economically important.
Before we explore this question, let's take a minute to identify what they look like. Spotted lanternfly eggs are laid in masses that look like gray mud or putty. The females lay their eggs on any flat surface they can find, including trees, rocks, and even outdoor furniture.
“There's no real good reason to use this kind of trap,” Soucy says. Birders and naturalists have documented birds eating lanternflies, making them a natural line of defense against the pest.