Spotted Lanternfly Series 1 Article 4 -- Be Aware of the Spotted Lanternfly

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By Merry Bogert


This insect pest may arrive in Burlington County in the coming months.  Already in northern New Jersey counties and in Pennsylvania, the Spotted Lanternfly is likely to arrive this summer. This blog series will cover topics from identifying the insect to how to control its spread, including limiting its impact on county residents.

How can the homeowner help?

(1)   Inspect your property for Ailanthus trees, for egg masses, and for signs of infestation.

     (2)   Mechanical approaches include:

·         Scraping egg masses off infested trees or any other surfaces using a flat object (such as a knife or plastic card) to scrape egg masses off and into a plastic bag containing some rubbing alcohol. This is a very effective way to kill them. Seal the egg masses in the plastic bag and dispose of it. A succinct YouTube video showing this technique is presented by Penn State Extension Agent Emilie Swackhamer via the following link: 
                        https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=WoFp_MbDiE8

·         Tree Banding – applying adhesive paper bands around Ailanthus to capture SLF as they ascend and congregate on the trunk. Tree bands are routinely removed and disposed of to kill SLF individuals that are stuck to the adhesive. See the following for detailed information:
https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-management-placing-sticky-bands-on-trees

·      Tree Removal – Removal of infested trees, and high-risk host trees (Ailanthus) up to a quarter mile (400 m) from an infested site. Please refer to the following link for more details: https://extension.psu.edu/tree-of-heaven
There are many “look alike” trees that may be confused with Ailanthus. An excellent short presentation by Penn State Extension on how to tell Ailanthus from these other trees can be accessed via: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-identifying-tree-of-heaven-and-some-native-look-a-like

     (3)  Adhere strictly to quarantine regulations when traveling into and out of quarantined areas. Be sure to inspect your vehicles, trailers, RVs, or any item that has been outside before moving them into or out of a quarantined area. Look for egg masses and for nymphs or adults that could “hitch a ride” from one area to another.

 (4)  Become familiar with the life cycle and life stages of the Spotted Lanternfly, so you will be able to watch for them. Check out: Article 2 - Spotted Lanternfly Life Cycle and Predators

(5)  Report any suspected findings. If you find an insect that you suspect is the Spotted Lanternfly, please contact your local Extension office or State Plant Regulatory Official to have the specimen identified properly. Rutgers University’s Burlington County Extension Office is located at 2 Academy Drive in Westampton. The phone number is (609) 265-5050.

 (6)  Chemical approaches: With a positive identification, your Extension Office can provide a homeowner with a list of NJ Certified and Licensed Pesticide applicators who may use the current insecticides that are approved for use on Spotted Lanternfly. Homeowners should not attempt to apply insecticide controls themselves.



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