How To Kill Lantern Flys In Your Yard.

As a professional exterminator, I’ve seen my fair share of pests, but the spotted lanternfly is one of the most destructive. These little buggers can wreak havoc on your plants and trees, so it’s important to know how to prevent and eliminate them. Here are my top tips:

• 1. Get Rid of Egg Masses: The spotted lantern fly lays its eggs on trees, rocks, and other surfaces. Look for smooth, grayish-white egg masses that look like putty. Scrape them off and destroy them. Once you’ve found a potential spot, inspect it closely. Lantern fly egg masses are small, brownish-gray blobs that are about the size of a quarter. They have a waxy, mud-like texture and can be found in clusters of 30-50. important factor to consider is the time of year. Lantern flies typically lay their eggs in the fall, so if you’re doing your inspections during this season, be especially vigilant.

• 2. Use Sticky Bands: Wrap a sticky band around the trunk of your trees to catch the spotted lanternfly nymphs as they crawl up. You can make your own with double-sided tape or purchase pre-made bands. When they get stuck on the tape they will be killed without the need for applying insecticides. Be sure to change out the tape as it fills up with fresh kills! This is my favorite one to use on the trees right from amazon.

• 3. Apply Insecticides: This is the easiest way to kill spotted lantern flys, in my opinion. If you have a severe infestation, you may need to use insecticides. Look for products that contain the active ingredient bifenthrin, imidacloprid or dinotefuran. If you prefer a more organic natural approach use a Cedar wood oil or essential oil based insecticide such as Essentria IC Pro insecticide. Be sure to follow the label instructions carefully. This product on amazon below is best for killing lantern flys.

• 4. Use Natural Predators: Some birds and insects, such as the praying mantis, will eat spotted lanternflies. Another option is to introduce birds to your property. Chickadees and woodpeckers are both known to feast on spotted lantern flies. By creating a bird-friendly environment, you can encourage these natural predators to take care of the problem for you. Consider introducing these natural predators to your garden.

• 5. Keep Your Property Clean of Tree of Heaven and Sumac Trees: Spotted lantern flys are attracted to cluttered and overgrown areas. They love to feed on Tree of Heaven and sumac trees. Keeping your yard clear of these two trees could keep lantern flys out of your yard permanently. Keep your property well-maintained to discourage them from taking up residence.

• 6. Don’t Move Firewood: Spotted lanternflies can hitch a ride on firewood, so it’s important not to transport it from one area to another. Eggs could be on this wood further spreading the infestation to another area of your yard or someone else property.

• 7. Check Your Car: If you’re traveling through an area with a spotted lantern fly infestation, be sure to check your car for any hitchhikers before you leave. These little guys love to hang on for long car ride and then can end up breeding in your yard over time. Lantern flys came to America from china via freight and have spread since then.

• 8. Educate Your Neighbors: Spotted lantern flys don’t just affect your property, they can spread to your neighbor’s as well. Encourage your neighbors to take all these actions listed as well to prevent and eliminate them.

• 9. Monitor Your Plants: Keep an eye out for signs of spotted lanternfly damage, such as wilting or oozing sap. Cut down all native plants that they love such as unwanted tree of heaven and sumac trees. If you spot any, take action immediately with a generic insecticide. It will kill them on contact and re-apply as needed.

• 10. Be patient: Spotted lantern flys are persistent pests, so don’t let your guard down. Keep up with your prevention and elimination efforts to keep them at bay. They may take time to cut back the population within your yard.