Spotted Lanternfly

Picture of an adult Spotted Lanternfly
Spotted Lanternfly

The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula (White), is an invasive planthopper native to China, India, Vietnam.  It was first discovered in Pennsylvania in Berks County and has spread to other counties in the southeast portion of the Commonwealth.  This insect has the potential to greatly impact agricultural crops such as grapes, hops, and hardwoods.  It is also reducing the quality of life for people living in heavily infested areas.

What Can Be Done

Spotted Lanternfly can be controlled with a combination of physical removal of life stages and host trees , as well as pesticide applications.  Penn State Extension has developed information for homeowner management as well as a management calendar. Use of these management techniques are important to assist PDA and USDA in control of the spread of this invasive pest.  

Businesses also play an important role.  Business owners should incorporate pest management into their vegetation management plans and work to minimize the possibility of this insect hitching a ride on products they produce and ship.  Businesses who ship products within and out of the quarantine zone are required to have or hire companies who have a Spotted Lanternfly Permit.  

How You Can Help

This insect is easily moved if no one is looking.  If you are in the quarantine area, please “Look Before You Leave.” Inspecting your vehicles, trailers, or any outdoor items before you move around or out of the quarantine is important.  If possible, don’t park in tree lines and keep windows rolled up when you park your vehicle.  Know the life stages of the insect and when to look for them.

Using the recommendations developed by Penn State Extension, take control measures on your own property.  Any efforts you make in destroying the Spotted Lanternfly or it’s egg masses helps your property and community.

Click on the links below for additional information.

www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/PlantIndustry/Entomology/spotted_lanternfly/Pages/default.aspx
Penn State Spotted Lanternfly
Spotted Lanternfly Management for Homeowners: This resource offers a list of insecticides and pesticides available for treatment
What to do if you find SLF on your Property?
SLF Resident Checklist
Placing-Sticky-Bands-on-Trees
Tree Banding Video
Tree of Heaven