The spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, is a destructive invasive species that has been wreaking havoc on various trees and plants since it was first detected in North America in 2014. Originating from Asia, this pest has spread to multiple U.S. states, causing significant damage to economically important crops such as grapevines, hops, and numerous tree species. This blog post delves into effective tree treatment strategies for managing the SLF infestation.

Understanding the Spotted Lanternfly

Identification and Life Cycle

Spotted lanternflies have a distinctive appearance that makes them relatively easy to identify once you know what to look for. There is one generation of SLF per year in Pennsylvania. Eggs are laid in the fall and hatch in the spring. The insect goes through four nymphal stages before reaching adulthood by July. Adults have black abdomens with yellow bands and forewings that are gray with black spots.

Feeding Damage

SLF feeds on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts, which leads to the excretion of honeydew—a sugary substance that attracts other insects and fosters sooty mold growth. While SLF feeding can stress plants and cause localized branch damage, it typically does not kill mature trees but can contribute to their long-term weakening.

Management Strategies

Monitoring and Early Detection

Regular monitoring is crucial for early detection and management of SLF populations:

• Visual Inspections: Check high-value plants regularly for signs of SLF. It is now identified that spotted lanternflies are attracted to the following trees: Tree of Heaven, Oaks, Maples, Black Walnut
• Traps: Use funnel-style traps called "circle traps" or sticky bands (with wildlife barriers) to capture nymphs and adults.
• Scouting: Identify which plants are favored by SLF throughout the season.

Biological Control

Currently, there are no highly effective natural predators or pathogens known to significantly reduce SLF populations in the U.S., though generalist predators like spiders and praying mantises may prey on them occasionally.

Cultural Control

Removing preferred host plants such as Tree-of-Heaven (TOH) can help manage SLF populations:

• Identify TOH: Compound leaves with smooth margins; crushed foliage emits a foul odor.
• Eliminate TOH: Use herbicides effectively; consider retaining some male TOH treated with systemic insecticides to attract and kill SLFs.

Mechanical Control

Destroying eggs manually can reduce future populations:

• Scraping Eggs: Scrape egg masses into an alcohol solution or smash them thoroughly.
• Egg Masses Location: Most egg masses are laid high up on trees; only reachable ones should be targeted safely without climbing.

Chemical Control

Contact Insecticides

Contact insecticides kill SLFs upon contact but have varying residual activities:

• Effective against both nymphs and adults.
• Less-toxic options include neem oil, insecticidal soaps, and horticultural oils.

Systemic Insecticides

Systemic insecticides are absorbed by the plant's vascular system:

• Applied via soil drench, trunk injection, or trunk spray.
• Dinotefuran provides rapid uptake; imidacloprid takes longer but offers extended control.

Application Methods

1. Trunk Injection: Provides accurate dosing with minimal environmental impact.
2. Trunk Spray/Bark Banding: Effective but requires careful application based on tree size.
3. Soil Drench/Injection: Best applied post-bloom; effectiveness varies by product solubility.
4. Foliar Applications: Generally not recommended except for specific cases targeting nymphs.
5. Pesticide Spray: For trunks, branches, and foliage.

Ovicides for Egg Masses

Dormant or horticultural oils can kill egg masses if applied correctly at high concentrations during late winter or early spring.

Pesticide Safety

Always follow label directions when using any pesticide:

1. Use only registered insecticides including bifenthrin, zeta-cypermethrin, carbaryl, and dinotefuran. These may have longer residual efficacy.
2. Avoid drift during application.
3. Rotate between different groups of insecticides to prevent resistance development.
4. Choose least-toxic options whenever possible.

Pest Control Professional

Environmental Pest Control is a licensed pest control company that uses bifenthrin to treat tree trunks, branches, and foliage to remove and protect trees against spotted lantern fly damage. Conveniently, our quarterly pest control plan includes protection against spotted lanternflies on and in close proximity to your home. In addition, we offer affordable treatments for focused treatments on any trees on your property you see spotted lantern fly infestations. Call us today for a free over the phone estimate!