Over the winter, we all tried hard to locate and destroy egg masses of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly, but guaranteed, we missed some! They are hatching now and will soon be visible as tiny black and white spotted nymphs. During their fourth stage, before reaching adulthood in July, they increase in size and develop red coloration with white dots and black stripes.

This is a highly invasive and destructive insect which feeds on the sap of many hardwood trees, shrubs, ornamental plants which may stress and weaken them. As the insect sucks sap, it excretes a sticky substance called honeydew which impacts agricultural crops of economic importance such as grapes, apples, and hops.  

What more can we do? There are traps available which should be placed around tree trunks to capture the adult lanternflies. There are also traps you should not use, like sticky traps, which can kill beneficial insects and even birds. 

Watch our website for a future program where we will demonstrate assembling appropriate and effective traps and where you can learn more about this destructive insect and ways you can make a difference.