How to prevent spotted lanternflies from entering your property

Spotted lanternflies are an invasive species that can cause significant damage to crops, trees, and other vegetation. These pests are native to Asia and were first discovered in the United States in 2014. Since then, they have spread rapidly and can now be found in many parts of the country. If you want to prevent spotted lanternflies from entering your property, follow these steps:

Step 1: Learn to Identify Spotted Lanternflies

The first step in preventing spotted lanternflies from entering your property is to learn how to identify them. These pests are about one inch long and half an inch wide. They have black bodies with white spots, and their wings are gray with black spots. Adult spotted lanternflies are most active in the late summer and early fall, but they can be found year-round in warmer climates.

Step 2: Remove Egg Masses

Spotted lanternflies lay their eggs on trees, rocks, and other surfaces. The eggs look like grayish-brown splotches and are about the size of a quarter. If you find any egg masses on your property, scrape them off with a plastic card or putty knife and destroy them. You can also place them in a container filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill the eggs.

Step 3: Use Sticky Bands

Spotted lanternflies are attracted to sticky surfaces, so you can use sticky bands to trap them. Wrap a band of duct tape or sticky paper around the trunk of a tree or another surface where you have seen spotted lanternflies. Make sure the band is at least four inches wide and wrap it tightly around the surface. Check the band regularly and replace it when it becomes full of insects.

Step 4: Cover Trees and Plants

If you have valuable trees or plants on your property, you can cover them with netting to prevent spotted lanternflies from reaching them. Use a fine mesh netting that is at least 80% opaque and wrap it tightly around the trunk and branches of the tree or plant. Be sure to secure the netting at the bottom to prevent insects from crawling underneath.

Step 5: Report Sightings

If you see spotted lanternflies on your property or in your area, report the sightings to your local agricultural extension office or state department of agriculture. They can provide you with information on how to control the pests and prevent them from spreading.

In conclusion, preventing spotted lanternflies from entering your property requires a combination of identification, removal, and trapping methods. By taking these steps, you can protect your trees, plants, and other vegetation from these invasive pests.