SPOTTED LANTERN FLY (SLF)
2023 PA Quarantine Map
- SLFs do not bite or sting. The adults walk more than fly, jumping is their natural response when threatened, there is one generation of SLFs per year and are killed by hard freezes.
- SLFs are plant stressors that alone may not kill the tree. Some plants are at more risk than others (e.g., grapevines, maple, black walnut). Death has only been noted in tree saplings, tree-of-heaven, and grapevines.
- Slow the spread of SLFs by checking your car and any outdoor equipment (outdoor furniture, mowers, firewood, etc.) before traveling.
- Egg masses are laid on many surfaces. Each egg mass contains an average of 30 to 50 individual eggs.
- SLF has four nymphal stages called instars.
- Common plant hosts for SLFs throughout the season. The information below is based on observations in Eastern Pennsylvania and may vary based on local conditions.
- Five safe and environmentally friendly ways to get rid of SLFs.
- Stomp Them: Not strong flyers, if you miss the first time, try again they will quickly run out of energy after 2 or 3 jumps/flights.
- Spray with Insecticidal Soap: Examples of insecticidal soaps are Concern Insect Killing Soap C, Ortho Elementals Insecticidal Soap, and Safer Insect-Killing-Soap. Please avoid homemade sprays consisting of household items like dish soap, vinegar, rubbing alcohol, etc. While these remedies might seem effective, they may cause harm to nearby plants, pollinators, pets, and even humans.
- Catch them in an Empty Bottle: Point the opening of your bottle towards the SLF's head, ideally from the direction that it's facing, and slowly approach it from above. Once close, the SLF will get startled and jump inside. A video of this action of Viral Water Bottle Hack for Trapping SLFs.
- Sticky Band Traps: Wrap the band around tree trunks (w/sticky side facing out) approximately 4' from the ground and secure with staples, push pins, etc. Install wire cage or netting around the band to avoid trapping other birds or animals.
- Circle Traps: This trap consists of insect screening mesh or plastic wrapped around tree trunks, designed to funnel any SLF trying to climb their way up into a removal collection container.
- Destroy Eggs: Females typically lay 1 or 2 egg masses. The best way to remove is to scrape them off with a plastic card or putty knife, then either squash the eggs or drop them into a container of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.