How to Manage and Control Spotted Lanternfly

If you live in the Mid-Atlantic, you have almost surely heard of the dreaded spotted lanternfly (SLF), known scientifically as Lycorma delicatula.

This invasive planthopper originated from China, where it was observed and appeared in records dating as far back as the twelfth century.

This pest feeds on an extensive variety of economically important plants, ranging from grapes and fruit crops to hardwood trees.

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The major reasons that this pest is so invasive are its enormous host range on plants, and its lack of natural enemies in the US.

This insect lays eggs on a variety of surfaces – including the wheel wells of cars – allowing it to be easily transported to new areas.

Spotted lanternflies are often found on another invasive organism known as the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima). First introduced to Pennsylvania in 1784, the tree was planted widely in cities throughout the 19th century, and is now found across the US.

While this horrific pest has so far been confined to the East Coast, grape growers on the West Coast are preparing for its inevitable spread.

Here’s what to come in this article:

While fighting this pest is not trivial, we at Gardener’s Path will help homeowners learn how to manage infestations by this invasive insect.

The first encounter with L. delicatula in the US took place in Pennsylvania in September 2014. However, the USDA Invasive Species Information Center reports that experts think the fly was present for three to four years in the US before its official discovery.

As of May 2019, 14