This pest has since spread to other parts of the world, including the United States.
Its diet consists of various plants, such as:
- fruit trees
- vegetables
- and even hardwood trees
So how do you spot a Spotted Lanternfly? Adults have pink wings with black spots. When they are flying, you can notice red underwings. Both females and males have yellow abdomens with black stripes. After mating, the female abdomen swells such that the insect experiences problems when attempting to fly.
Alternatively, you can spot the Spotted Lanternfly by identifying their egg masses. The eggs masses appear muddy and measure between one and 1.5 inches long each egg mass has 30 to 50 eggs arranged in vertical columns containing at least five eggs.
They are hardy and can survive at subzero temperatures.
The nymphs that hatch from these eggs are called instars and measure between ¼ and ½ inches, making it easy to mistake them for ticks.
Where Can You Spot the Spotted Lanternfly?
Here are some of the highly susceptible plants to Spotted Lanternfly infestations.
Tree of Heaven
There’s a widespread belief that the Tree of Heaven was the first species to suffer attacks from the Spotted Lanternfly.
This is understandable, as the tree is native to China. It was introduced to the United States during the Gold Rush.
Because of its adaptability, the Tree of Heaven can survive in various climatic conditions.
The problem is that it grows to 100 feet tall, making it a challenge to uproot it without professional help.
Ornamental and Timber Trees
Some species that host the Spotted Lanternfly include:
Arborists and foresters have concerns over the spreading rate of these pests and their potential impact on these valuable tree species.
Notably, Spotted Lanternflies don’t cause fatal damage to ornamental and shade trees.
Fruit Trees and Vines
Spotted Lanternflies also infect fruit trees like apples, apricots, cherry, peach, and plums.
When they don’t eat the fruits, they weaken the plant, resulting in smaller yields.
What Are the Symptoms of Spotted Lanternfly Infestation?
A tree infested by Spotted Lanternflies will have ‘wounds’ on the affected spots.
These wounds will ooze, leaving a characteristic black or gray trail on the plant’s bark.
It’s worth noting that Spotted Lanternflies attack plants in large groups.
This explains why plant leaves tend to wilt, as the pests suck sap in massive amounts.
Eventually, the branches start withering, and the plant might die if it hadn’t matured.
Since the insects can’t digest the sugar in the sap completely, they secrete a large amount of it in the form of sugary honeydew.
The honeydew forms a sticky coating on the leaves and stems. Sometimes, it can be too much that it falls to the ground around the plant.
Honeydew is itself a problem for plants. First, it attracts ants, hornets, and yellowjackets.
These are not only a nuisance, but they also make trees inaccessible, particularly hornets.
Additionally, the honeydew provides a conducive environment for the budding of sooty mold.
This can contaminate several fruit trees, lower their productivity, delay maturity and reduce their tolerance to low temperatures.
Over time, the mold grows so thick that it blocks sunlight and hinders photosynthesis.
The honeydew also encourages the growth of sooty mold, which can:
- contaminate grapes and other types of fruit
- reduce their yields
- delay ripening
- and decrease their tolerance to cold weather
How Do I Treat Spotted Lanternflies?
If you spot Spotted Lanternflies in your garden, here are some methods you can use to eradicate them.
Destroy the Eggs
The first step to eliminating Spotted Lanternflies is by destroying their eggs.
Always Good Idea: If the eggs are too high up the tree, contact an arborist for help.
Why Should You Avoid Home Remedies?
People run to the internet for quick solutions in this digital era, and the Spotted Lanternfly is no exception.
While this approach can help you identify what’s harming your plants, experts recommend against implementing home remedies to combat these pests.
Commonly used treatments include:
- boric acid
- chili
- dish soap
- garlic
- salt
- vegetable oils
- and vinegar
These can be harmful to plants, pets, and even humans.
For instance, the foaming agents, solvents, and surfactants found in dish soap can hurt the health of your plants.
Chili, on the other hand, can irritate your eyes and skin.
Be Careful: Boric acid is highly toxic, and prolonged exposure to it can cause harm or even kill animals and humans.
How Are Spotted Lanternflies Spreading?
Other places where the insect lays eggs include fenceposts and abandoned pieces of furniture.
People usually transport the eggs unknowingly over long distances into new regions.
How Does the Spotted Lanternfly Damage Plants and Trees?
These lanternflies damage plants and trees by sipping their sap.
This insect feeds on plant sap and excretes most of the carbohydrates they consume in the form of honeydew.
Wrapping Up
Spotted Lanternflies are unsightly and can cause extensive damage to your plants. However, they are pretty easy to spot and control.
Once you identify the pests, start by destroying their egg masses.
Lastly, avoid using home remedies because they are unproven and harmful to you and your plants.
In Case You Missed It
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