However, pesticides should not be used for small amounts of the pest, or when their use also puts beneficial insects at risk, such as on flowering plants that bees are likely to visit. When large amounts of spotted lanternflies are in one location, pesticides can be used to reduce their populations. Sticky tape typically lasts a few weeks, whereas circle traps last the whole season but need emptied occasionally. Those who set up the traps are advised to check them semi-frequently to remove trapped insects. This is particularly effective during the nymph stage, as spotted lanternfly nymphs are less able to escape traps and more likely to climb the trunk of the tree, where traps are located.Ī Lancaster Conservation District Youtube Video explaining how to set up a circle trap to catch spotted lanternflies.Ĭlauser recommends circle traps over sticky traps, both because of reduced bycatch and increased effectiveness for adult spotted lanternflies.īoth types of traps work best on trees with smooth bark. One can equip a tree with a sticky trap or the more recently popularized circle trap to collect and kill large amounts of the pests. However, there are a variety of methods humans can use to curb the population. “If your pet becomes ill, contact your veterinarian right away.” What can be done to control the population?Īs an invasive species, there are not many natural checks on the population of spotted lanternflies. “It appears that more studies would need to be done to completely rule out the possibility ,” said Bingeman. While no toxins have been found in the insects, according to Penn State Extension, this is not conclusive. There have also been some reports of pets having negative reactions to consuming spotted lanternflies. “If on grape vines or fruit trees, any stress on those plants will limit any sort of production,” said Bingeman. This is particularly the case when large amounts of the pest take residence on a plant. Honeydew is known to reduce the yields of produce-bearing plants, particularly grape vines (on which spotted lanternflies can live their entire lives) and fruit trees. “In trees, we don’t see a huge issue with the life of the tree, but quality of life around that tree could be an issue.” “If you have plants under trees that that honeydew is falling on, it could create what’s called ‘sooty mold,’ which would reduce photosynthesis so then the plants might not do as well,” explained Clauser. However, after feeding on various types of plant matter, they secrete honeydew, a substance capable of interrupting photosynthesis of plants if it covers them. What problems do they cause?įirst and foremost, spotted lanternflies generally do not kill trees. Photo provided by Casey Clauser of PennState Extension. An adult spotted lanternfly spreading its wings on a tree. Adult spotted lanternflies typically reside and feed on trees, such as Willow, Sumac, River Birch, Silver or Red Maple, and the invasive Tree-of-heaven. In their adulthood, spotted lanternflies grow to over an inch in size, with black spots on their wings and distinct red coloring. Photo provided by Olivia Bingeman of the Lebanon County Conservation District. Later in their adolescence, nymphs take on a red-black pattern and reach around a half inch in length. Recently hatched spotted lanternfly nymphs. During this time, they may reside on certain trees or on small plants and flowers, such as roses and grape vines. Spotted lanternfly nymphs, upon hatching, are small (around an eighth of an inch in length) and black in color. The pests hatch in spring and reach adulthood in July, remaining active until winter. Since then, a total of 26 Pennsylvania counties have confirmed spotted lanternfly sightings. Spotted lanternflies (SLF) are an invasive planthopper species, first noticed in Pennsylvania in 2014. What resources are available to help deal with spotted lanternflies?.What can be done to control the population?.To jump to a specific section, follow the links below. LebTown spoke with Casey Clauser, Lebanon Master Gardener Coordinator of PennState Extension, and Olivia Bingeman of the Lebanon County Conservation District to find out more about these pests, and how to deal with them. As summer begins, Lebanon is starting to have sightings of spotted lanternfly nymphs across the county.
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