What Types Of Trees Are Being Affected By Lantern Flies

Lanternflies on tree

The spotted lanternfly is native to Asia, but they have already spread across several states in the US. They are especially common in Pennsylvania and are known for large amounts of damage to trees. It is important to know about these insects as they pose a serious threat to agriculture in Pennsylvania and several other northern states in the US.

What Trees Do Lanternflies Damage?

The first thing you should know is that lanternflies do not attack all types of trees. They feed on host trees and target them for survival and nourishment. They attack woody, fruit, and ornamental trees, including black walnut, river birch, tree of heaven (Ailanthus), tulip poplar, willow, black cherry, and some others.

There is no proof that lanternflies cause damage to apples, peaches, or hops, but studies are still being conducted.

How to Identify a Spotted Lanternfly?

It is not difficult to identify spotted lanternflies as they are quite distinctive at every life stage.

Spotted lanternflies have blackheads, yellow abdomens with black bands, and short antennae, and they measure 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide. They also have black wing tips and transparent gray forewings.

You should also know how to identify their egg mass. Typically, it is an inch long and 3/4 of an inch wide. It looks like gray splotches of cement or mud. Sometimes, you can see multiple egg masses on tree surfaces. Usually, lanternflies lay their eggs on the underside of branches, but you can also find them on such man-made surfaces as fences, brick structures, decks, and even cars.

How Can You Get Rid of Spotted Lanternflies?

There are certain things you can do to get rid of these destructive insects:

  • Use insecticidal soap. According to Penn State Reports, the most effective soaps are Ortho Elementals Insecticidal Soap, Safer Insect-Killing-Soap, and Concern Insect Killing Soap C. You can also try a mix of water and rubbing alcohol. Some people say that adding dish soap can also be effective.
  • Capture lanternflies. To capture the insects, you can use a simple plastic bottle. Hold a bottle in front of the lanternfly’s face, and the insect will jump in.
  • Wrap your trees with duct tape or any sticky paper. If your trees have been seriously affected by spotted lanternflies, you can wrap sticky paper or inside-out duct tape around the bottom of the trees. Then, take a hose and spray the insects with water to make them fall off the trees. The bugs will try to climb back up the trees but they will get caught on duct tape or sticky paper. Make sure to remove the adhesive tapes as soon as you have trapped the lanternflies so you are only trapping the harmful insects.

Sometimes, if a tree has been seriously affected by spotted lanternflies, you may not be sure what to do next. You can call our professional to come and treat your infested areas or if needed you can have the tree removed. If you live in Pennsylvania and are looking for experts specializing in tree services, including tree removal and tree trimming services in York, PA, and other nearby areas, make sure to contact Lewis Burns Tree Service. Our company has been providing expert tree services since 1968, and we have had thousands of satisfied customers in York, Lancaster, and other surrounding areas in Pennsylvania.

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