Rather have a pro do it for you?
| Tools and Supplies to monitor spotted lanternfly populations in your garden | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BugZooka WB100 Bug Catcher Vacuum | |||
| 2 | Tree Pruner with Saw Blade | |||
| 3 | Insect Traps | |||
| 4 | Insect Net | |||
| 5 | Handheld Magnifying Glass | |||
| 6 | Garden Sprayer | |||
| 7 | Sticky Traps | |||
| 8 | Digital Camera or Smartphone with Camera | |||
| 9 | GPS Device | |||
| 10 | Weatherproof Notebook and Pen | |||
How to monitor spotted lanternfly populations in your garden
Keep Your Garden Safe: A Guide to Monitoring Spotted Lanternfly Populations
Spotted lanternflies are an invasive species that can cause significant damage to plants and trees in your garden. Monitoring their populations is crucial to prevent their spread and protect your garden. Here are the steps to monitor spotted lanternfly populations in your garden:
Step 1: Identify the Spotted Lanternfly
Before monitoring spotted lanternfly populations, you need to know how to identify them. Spotted lanternflies are about one inch long and half an inch wide. They have grayish-brown wings with black spots and a red underbelly. Their hind wings are bright red with black spots. They also have distinctive white spots on their body.
Step 2: Look for Egg Masses
Spotted lanternflies lay their eggs in late fall and early winter on tree bark, rocks, and other hard surfaces. The eggs are covered with a gray, waxy substance that looks like mud. Look for these egg masses in your garden and remove them by scraping them off with a knife or credit card and destroying them.
Step 3: Check for Nymphs
Spotted lanternfly nymphs hatch from the eggs in late spring and early summer. They are black with white spots and have red patches on their backs. Look for these nymphs on the stems and leaves of trees and plants in your garden. If you find any, remove them by hand and drop them into a container of soapy water to kill them.
Step 4: Look for Adults
Spotted lanternflies become adults in late summer and early fall. They are more active during this time and can be seen flying around your garden. Look for them on the trunks and branches of trees, as well as on plants and other surfaces. If you find any, use a sticky band around the trunk of the tree to trap them. You can also use a handheld vacuum to suck them up and dispose of them.
Step 5: Report Sightings
If you spot any spotted lanternflies in your garden, report them to your local agriculture department or extension office. They can provide you with more information on how to control the population and prevent the spread of this invasive species.
In conclusion, monitoring spotted lanternfly populations in your garden is crucial to protect your plants and trees from damage. By following these steps, you can identify and remove spotted lanternflies at different stages of their life cycle and prevent their spread.
