How to Banish Spotted Lanternflies From Your Garden Once and for All

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect native to Asia that was first detected in North America in 2014 in Berks County, Pennsylvania. While they aren’t dangerous to humans, spotted lanternflies can be devastating to the surrounding landscape, especially outside of their native environment, away from natural predators. 

According to arborist Lou Meyer, these hitchhiking insects feed on sap from over 70 species of plants, including maples, black walnut, and tree-of-heaven, which is their preferred host. Spotted lanternflies leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew when they feed on plants, which promotes mold growth, weakens trees and vines, and attracts other pests. 

Getting rid of spotted lanternflies in your yard is a small but important part of a larger movement to control this invasive population. When left alone, these insects pose a major threat to agricultural industries, especially vineyards. Ahead, experts explain the most effective ways to eradicate spotted lanternflies from your garden.

How to Identify Spotted Lanternflies

You'll see spotted lanternflies during several different phases of development—as egg masses, nymphs, and adults. Report sightings to your local pest control organization as the National Plant Board tracks the spread of spotted lanternflies.

• Egg masses: Spotted lanternflies lay eggs in thick masses that contain dozens of eggs. Look for "muddy gray or brownish clumps often found on tree bark, rocks, or outdoor gear," says Meyer.
• Nymphs: Young spotted lanternflies have round, flat bodies and pointed snouts. In their early stage, the nymphs measure about 1/4-inch long and are patterned with bright white spots on a black body. They grow another half-inch and turn red, with black markings and white dots on their back as they mature.
• Adults: At about 1 inch long, fully-grown spotted lanternflies rest with their pale pink, black-dotted wings folded over themselves. When they fly, the wings fan out to expose bright red hindwings with black spots.

How to Get Rid of Spotted Lanternflies

While some birds and insects will eat spotted lanternflies, you can't rely entirely on the food chain to keep a spotted lanternfly population under control. Slow the insects' movement by stomping or swatting adults and nymphs, removing egg masses, and cutting down preferred host trees.

Remove Egg Masses

Catch spotted lanternflies before they hatch by scraping egg masses off trees and other outdoor areas. "Look for them from fall through early spring," says Meyer. "Use a plastic card or putty knife to scrape them into a bag with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, then seal and dispose of them." He also recommends looking for hitchhiking eggs on firewood, vehicles, lawn furniture, and garden equipment to prevent future infestations.

Use Natural Pest Repellents

Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to combat nymphs without relying on commercial pesticides. "Both are effective on nymphs," Meyer says. "Spray directly on lanternflies, ideally in the early morning or evening when they're less active."

Stomp or Swat

Nymphs and adults are powerful jumpers that use their back legs to thrust, so they can be difficult to catch. "They're fast, but not unbeatable," says Meyer. "Adults often return to the same tree or surface when disturbed, giving you a second chance to squash them."

Remove Desirable Plants

Spotted lanternflies will eat various fruits and plants, but their favorite spot for nesting and dining is the invasive tree-of-heaven plant. "If this tree is in your backyard and spotted lanternfly populations are an issue, you may want to consider removing this tree," says Brian Eshenaur, invasive species coordinator for Cornell Integrated Pest Management. "However, if it is just cut down, the tree-of-heaven will put up shoots from the trunk and surface roots—so it's best to use an herbicide as part of the removal method."

Support Natural Predators

Meyer recommends making your yard hospitable to natural predators who may provide some population control. "Birds, spiders, and praying mantises may prey on lanternflies, and researchers are exploring biocontrol options," he says.