A state-wide quarantine was announced on Spotted Lanternfly a week ago. What can a homeowner do now, this spring, this summer and in the fall to help control infestations on their property?
Let’s start by saying Spotted Lanternfly is not the end of gardening. They don’t bite!
It is more of a nuisance and when active, will produce copious amounts of honeydew.
Much of the information in this article can be found on the Ohio Department of Agriculture website
in the “Spotted Lanternfly Homeowner Management Guide.”
Link: https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/invasive-pests/slf-bmp
What can you do right now?
- Determine if you have Tree of Heaven growing on your property. Identify it and have it cut down, treating the stump with a herbicide as per the label.
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If you prefer, 2 attached videos explain Spotted Lanternfly life cycle and Tree of Heaven identification:
Spotted Lanternfly and Tree of Heaven.
English:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqU30tXGWGQ
Spanish:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQrvgaXD1U4
- If this is not possible, look for egg masses on Tree of Heaven, Maples, Mulberry, and on many other trees
- as well as hard surfaces like metal or stone.
- Treat these egg masses with Golden Pest Oil or scrape off the egg masses.
Later this spring?
- Look for nymphs to emerge.
- They may congregate on the growing tips of Tree of Heaven.
- Spray the Nymphs with a contact insecticide like Bifenthrin, Carbaryl or Malathion as per the label. The label is the law.
In summer after Tree of Heaven is done flowering?
- Consider treating the trunk or do a soil injection with a systemic insecticide like Dinotefuran or Imidacloprid to kill feeding SLF as per the Label.
All summer and late summer into Fall?
- Continue to treat nymphs and adult SLF with contact insecticides.
- Look for honeydew, an indication of heavy feeding above.
Fall into winter?
- Look for Egg Masses.
- Scrape them off with a hard piece of plastic and dispose in soapy water.
Spotted Lanternfly is not the gardening world coming to an end!
They don't Bite!
Print out the ODA guide and follow the recommendations. Happy hunting!
