The Spotted Lanternfly: See It, Squash It

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Early detection is a critical step to mitigating economic and ecological losses.

• Appearance
  • Nymphs (juvenile spotted lanternflies) are black with white spots and turn red as they develop.
  • Adults, roughly 1-inch long and 1/2-inch wide, have a yellow, black-barred abdomen. With large, visually striking wings, adult spotted lanternflies can be easier to spot than other pests. They have brown forewings with black spots at the front and a speckled band at the rear. Their hind wings are scarlet with black spots at the front and white and black bars at the rear.
• Eggs
  • Newly laid egg masses (holding 30-50 eggs) resemble wet, gray putty before turning dull and brown, mirroring a smear of cracked mud. The 1-inch long egg masses can be seen in fall, winter, and spring on a variety of smooth surfaces, such as trees, bricks, stones, fences, grills, equipment, and vehicles. 
• Oozing sap
  • When spotted lanternflies feed on plants, they leave behind a sticky, oozing residue called honeydew. This substance attracts other insects, causes mold growth, and further hurts plants.

Spotted Lanternfly populations are anticipated to keep growing in Arlington, but overtime, natural predators may begin to recognize them as a food source, which could help reduce numbers. In the meantime, here are some ways you can stop the spotted lanternfly from overtaking plants:

• Regular Checks: Inspect your trees and plants for signs of this pest; the insects tend to gather in large groups on trunks and stems. 
  
  
• If You See It, Squash It: If you're certain you've identified a spotted lanternfly, help stop the spread by squashing them on sight. We caution against insecticides just because they can cause harm to beneficial insects nearby.
  
  
• Destroy Eggs: Look for egg masses in your trees (in particular, tree-of-heaven), bricks, stones, and other smooth surfaces. If you find eggs, smash them and scrape them into a plastic zippered bag filled with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to kill them. Then, zip the bag shut and dispose of it in the trash.
  
  
• Traveling this Summer?: Learn where SLF has not yet been detected.  If you're traveling through infestation free areas, thoroughly check your vehicle to avoid moving the pest from your land to other locations. Check doors, sides, bumpers, wheel wells, grills, and roofs. If found, destroy any eggs or insects you find.
  
  
• Inspect Items Being Moved: If your business involves moving items, check shipping containers, propane tanks, pallets, and other items being stored outdoors before they're moved offsite. Inspect incoming goods for egg masses and insects.