What to Know About Spotted Lanternflies This Year

The invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a pretty little trespasser now living in more than a third of US states; and of concern because it dines on some of our most treasured plants. A native to Southeast Asia, the spotted lanternfly hitched a ride on a Pennsylvania-bound shipment of stone more than a decade ago and has been happily feasting on our greenery since, reproducing and rapidly expanding its territory across the country.

What is the spotted lanternfly?

Despite the name, the spotted lanternfly is not a fly, and the photographs circulating on the internet with its adult wings spread would have you think it’s a moth — but, nope, not that either. The spotted lanternfly is a planthopper, and it mostly gets around by walking (slowly) or jumping (quickly), though adults can fly (awkwardly) if they choose to.

Spotted lanternflies don’t munch on plant parts like beetles and caterpillars do. Instead, the insects use a straw-like organ called a proboscis to pierce and then suck a plant’s nutrient-rich juice. The stages of the insect’s life include an egg mass stage that it shares with 30 to 60 siblings; four nymphal instars (phases between molts) to grow in size and add red to its black-and-white coloration; and a winged adult stage, which is how we’re used to seeing it on the Most Wanted posters.

Why we're concerned about the spotted lanternfly

When the spotted lanternfly was first detected in this country in 2014, experts weren’t sure how worried to be about it. There was an ever-growing list of native plants and trees the insects were observed feeding on, including greenery important to our agricultural and forest industries.

A sample menu:

• stone fruit trees like peaches and plum
• hardwood trees like walnut and maple
• vine plants including hops and grape
• popular ornamentals like roses.

Spotted lanternflies can weaken the portions of the plant or tree where insects are feeding, which means a lot of insects could spell trouble. On the other side of the equation (so to speak), the insects excrete honeydew — a sugary, sticky substance that encourages the growth of sooty mold. Sooty mold can interfere with photosynthesis for the host plant and make it more vulnerable to disease.

Concern about spotted lanternflies has been compounded by the fact that in the insect’s native territory, populations are largely kept in check by parasitic wasps, and we don’t have a resident equivalent in the US.

What we know about the spotted lanternfly in 2025

Fast forward 11 years and the spotted lanternfly has ventured from a single Pennsylvania county into 19 states and DC. Yikes, right? But we’ve gained some very useful knowledge while nervously watching the interloper stretch its wings into new territory.

In the good news column, we’ve noted that spotted lanternfly feeding is not a life-or-death issue for the vast majority of established trees and plants. For this reason, scientists now label it a nuisance pest in residential settings.

The bad news is that fruiting vines, young saplings and immature plants are susceptible to damage from large numbers of feasting insects. Luckily, scientists have also learned that out of the massive variety of greenery the spotted lanternfly will dine on, it has two indisputable favorites: a fast-growing invasive hardwood tree called tree-of-heaven and grapevine, both cultivated grape and wild grape. The tree-of-heaven as a food source is of zilch concern to us. A wild grower and prolific seeder, we’re flat out tired of the tree in the US. We are very worried, however, about the sommelier lanternfly’s fondness for cultivated grape. Wine is a 50-state industry in the US, with an economic impact of more than $323 billion in 2025 according to the National Association of American Wineries. An uncontrolled spotted lanternfly infestation can decimate a vineyard’s production.

Most importantly, perhaps, we have learned that the spotted lanternfly’s primary means of getting around is hitching a ride with us! Spotted lanternflies might travel a few miles on their own during their lives, but when they lay their egg masses on — or stow away in — our vehicles, building materials, camping equipment and outdoor décor, we will unwittingly move them hundreds and thousands of miles through our own travels and purchases. Um … oops?

For the sake of our domestic industries, the Federal government and states are asking the American public to not give the spotted lanternfly a ride into new areas. We do this by inspecting our cars and goods before we hit the road. But a proper inspection requires knowing exactly what we’re looking for, so next we’ll discuss how to identify the insect.

What Does a Spotted Lanternfly Look Like?

During the spotted lanternfly’s single-year life, it transitions from an egg mass stage into four wingless nymphal instars, then finally into the winged adult stage, which is what we’re most used to seeing pictures of. Adults reproduce and then die off during the first hard freeze. Recognizing the insect in all life stages is key to managing populations, but we also need to know where to look and when.

Egg masses

What: a streak of cracked mud about 1/2 inch across; sometimes rows of 30–60 tan-colored eggs if the putty covering has worn off
Where: tree and vine trunks as well as man-made surfaces
When: fall through the beginning of summer

Early nymphs (instars 1-3)

What: a tiny black insect with white spots, 1/8 to 1/4 inch — about the size and shape of a tick
Where: herbaceous plants, the new growth of woody plants and trees, the underside of leaves
When: spring and summer

Late nymphs (4th instar)

What: a small red-and-black insect with white spots, around 1/2 inch — more hexagonal than round
Where: woody parts of plants and trees
When: midsummer into early fall

Adults

What: a small insect about 1 inch in length, with black spots on the front two-thirds of its gray forewings and black veining on the bottom third. If its wings are spread, you can see the black-and-white hindwings with a red inner edge with black spots. The abdomen of the insect is yellow and black. Note: if it's crawling along, its forewings cover its brighter colors.
Where: tree trunks, woody portions of plants
When: midsummer through December

Common look-alikes and how to differentiate them

The spotted lanternfly resembles some of our native insects, both as a nymph and as an adult. Late-stage nymphs can be mistaken for the boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata) and the large milkweed bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus). The giveaway here is the shape, with the look-alikes more oval than the spotted lanternfly.

Native moths are hugely important as nightshift pollinators and part of the lower end of the food chain. Some might be mistaken for the adult spotted lanternfly because of neutral front wings and fiery hindwings, but none have the distinct pattern of the invader. Locals include: the grapevine epimenis (Psychomorpha epimenis), the white-lined sphinx (Hyles lineata), the ilia underwing (Catocala ilia) and the garden tiger moth (Arctia caja).

Management and Control of the Spotted Lanternfly

What to do if you spot a spotted lanternfly

In short, and in most cases: tell and trample.

The longer answer is it varies by locality, and your state department of agriculture will have specific instructions for residents. Find that contact toward the bottom of the USDA’s spotted lanternfly page.

Resident reports help states monitor the movement of spotted lanternfly populations and act accordingly. Remember, some areas have active quarantines in place, and those without registered sightings are warily eyeing their borders with infested areas. The insect is not the treemolisher we feared, and scientists now consider the spotted lanternfly more a plant stressor than a plant killer; but they're still studying its impacts in newer territories. Because of the potential threat to domestic industries, states are taking the insect’s presence very seriously.

For this reason, the federal government and most states are still asking residents to kill the spotted lanternfly when we come across it. At minimum, this is an instruction to destroy spotted lanternfly egg masses, nymphs and adults found on vehicles, building supplies, camping gear — essentially any items we may move. Even this level of involvement on our part prevents the insect from expanding its territory quickly and gives our scientists and our native insect predators a little more time to learn about the invader. Some states ask for more — like destroying any egg masses within reach in your yard. If you live in an especially vulnerable area, you may be required by law to take further action.

When and how to report sightings

If you do see a spotted lanternfly at any stage of development and it hasn’t been reported in your area, your state department of agriculture wants to know about it. It may want to know about it even if the insect has already been reported. Your state page will have specific instructions that may include:

• photographing the insect
• recording the time and location of the sighting
• notifying officials via form or email
• preserving the insect for officials to collect
• destroying the insect.

State pages and the university extension office in your area will have recommendations on managing the pest with locally pertinent information.

Control strategies for homeowners

As mentioned, the spotted lanternfly is now labeled a nuisance pest in residential settings. Unless you live in the middle of a vineyard, the insect isn’t going to lay waste to your entire garden, a la plague of locusts. In fact, according to Penn State Extension scientists, the spotted lanternfly has been known to kill only three things: tree-of-heaven, grape and black walnut saplings.

But homeowners consider the spotted lanternfly insecta non grata for what happens at the other end as much as anything. The honeydew excreted by the insect smells like fermentation (Ew!); can attract hornets and ants (Eeeek!); and will grow sooty mold. Sooty mold can inhibit plant growth, is unattractive, spreads quickly and can be a pain to clean off (Ugh!). A few spotted lanternflies aren’t going to inconvenience you but if you have a bunch visiting, they are likely not doing much for the ambience at your backyard soiree.

There are several ways we can help our gardens withstand the activity of the uninvited visitors. Homeowners with delicate plants or young trees — or insect volume concerns — may require a more proactive approach to controlling the insect’s activity. We outline these too.

Inspect, monitor, repeat.

Preventing spotted lanternflies from ever reaching your property may be an impossibility but you can avoid being the rideshare that delivers them! Inspect outdoor purchases before you bring them home with you. If you’re camping or traveling, check your vehicle and gear for all stages of the insect before you leave. At home, monitor known favorite plants and trees for the insect and for telltale signs of lanternfly activity — honeydew and sooty mold. Check for egg masses before storing outdoor decor for winter.

Let nature help.

Because healthy greenery won’t be as easily impacted by spotted lanternfly activity, populate your garden with native and climate zone–appropriate plantings from reputable nurseries and manage water on your property well. Avoid the use of chemicals that jeopardize the health of birds and insect predators who will dine on the invaders, like spined soldier bugs (native stinkbugs), praying mantises and spiders.

Deprive spotted lanternflies of a meal.

Cover delicate plants and trees with fine-mesh netting secured at the bottom so spotted lanternflies will be unable to feed on the plant stems.

Trap and toss.

In late spring and into fall, set circle traps to capture nymphs as they climb up trees. Sticky band traps can be used to capture spotted lanternfly nymphs and some adults but should always include a screen barrier to avoid trapping other wildlife.

Suck ’em up with the shop vac.

Spotted lanternfly nymphs and adults are easy to vacuum up: Just make sure you don’t suck up beneficial insects or damage your plants in the process and that you remember to dispose of the bag in 48 hours. That’s long enough for any bugs that survived the suction to die off and before they start to smell really bad.

Swipe that credit card.

Scrape spotted lanternfly egg masses into a container of alcohol using a flat-ended tool or credit card. You can also swipe them from the top using the same card, applying downward pressure to mash the eggs, but make sure you get them all.

Topple any tree-of-heaven.

Some scientists have proposed that eliminating the tree-of-heaven will help discourage mass feedings, and certain municipalities are following this guidance in recommendations for residents with these trees in their yards. Scientists at Cornell worry that culling the invasive tree will simply drive the insects to more desirable native plants and trees. Tree-of-heaven has also proved to be a very useful monitoring tool for insect activity.

Poison them.

Spotted lanternflies are vulnerable to contact and systemic pesticides already on the market, but the insects are less lethal than we anticipated in residential environments and the pesticides are not, with the risk of negative impacts to the surrounding area high. Also, because the pest is mobile, any treatment is temporary. Consult your state official or your university extension office for recommendations appropriate for your locality.

Penn State Extension scientists who have been studying the spotted lanternfly since its arrival on our shores recommend applying an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach in residential settings. IPM takes your unique garden constituents and the population of spotted lanternflies you’re facing as the two inputs, and from there helps you determine the best options for management. An IPM model starts with the effective method that is the least toxic to the rest of the environment and places insecticides at the end, as a tool of special circumstances.

If you do need to treat, use EPA-registered pesticides only and then judiciously — not every tree or plant needs to be treated. Let a professional apply treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do spotted lanternflies sting or bite?

Nope, neither. The spotted lanternfly has no stinger. Its mouth parts are for sucking plants and not able to penetrate skin. The honeydew the insect excretes can attract wasps and other stinging insects with a sweet tooth, however.

Will spotted lanternflies hurt my pet?

Spotted lanternflies — consumed, stepped on, or as a fur accessory — are not thought to be harmful to pets. But the exoskeletons of insects can be difficult for pets to digest in large quantities.

Will spotted lanternflies damage my house or outdoor decor?

No, spotted lanternflies don’t chew up our homes and furniture like some pests do. The sooty mold that grows on honeydew is a pain to clean up, however, and can stain some fabrics.

How can I discourage spotted lanternflies from ever coming to my yard?

You can’t, unfortunately. A healthy, robust garden that doesn’t rely on chemicals to be robust should withstand feedings and attract generalist predators that can help with some of spotted lanternfly numbers.

What plants and trees in my yard will the spotted lanternfly be interested in?

During the spotted lanternfly’s life, it can be found on all above-ground portions of plants and trees, even those it won’t make a meal of. Young nymphs like to feed on new shoots of annual and perennial plants. Adults enjoy a variety of deciduous tree species. Spotted lanternflies are not picky toddlers and are really good at finding something to dine on at any buffet. Tree-of-heaven and grape are their macaroni-and-cheese — enjoyed at all times. Your university extension office may have info on local favorites.

Will spotted lanternflies kill my herbs and vegetables?

No. Nymphs will feed on them but spotted lanternflies generally don’t spend much time feeding on herbaceous plants. High numbers could temporarily damage plants or reduce your yield.

What do I need to do to protect my plants and trees from the spotted lanternfly?

This answer depends on your garden constituents and the number of insect visitors. Healthy plants and trees can generally withstand spotted lanternfly feeding but young plants and trees may need some help. Netting plants and trapping insects have both proved effective. Vacuuming will give you a lot of bang for your buck.

Do spotted lanternflies have natural predators?

Not predators specific to the insect in the US, but animals with diverse appetites called generalist predators are making meals of spotted lanternflies here. This group includes spined soldier bugs (a native stinkbug), spiders, praying mantises and birds. Also, a teeny little wasp called the spongy moth parasitoid has discovered that spotted lanternfly egg masses are pretty tasty. Under the microscope, two fungal pathogens are having a go at spotted lanternflies, and scientists are studying them as a possible means of control.

Why not use pesticides (insecticides) against the spotted lanternfly?

No insecticide is exclusive to the spotted lanternfly, so we worry about hurting beneficial insect populations. This group includes pollinators but also predator insects who help keep spotted lanternfly numbers and other pests (e.g., mites) in check. Also, no insecticide has been 100 percent effective against spotted lanternfly at any stage, which means you are thinning the herd, not eradicating it. And the herd likes to travel; so, you may use insecticide to destroy spotted lanternfly egg masses and nymphs, and adults will make their way to your yard later in the season. Most residential gardens can withstand the attention of the insect using more conservative control measures like netting, destroying egg masses in reach, trapping and vacuuming nymphs and adults.

Will homemade pesticides work against the spotted lanternfly?

Maybe, but it’s not a good idea to use them. Home concoctions that include some combination of dish soap, vinegar, oils, and spices are considered broad-spectrum, so they may be effective in killing spotted lanternflies, but they’ll be toxic to beneficial insects too.

How do I keep from spreading spotted lanternflies to other areas or bringing them home?

Inspect your car and camping equipment for egg cases, nymphs and adults before traveling. If you’re purchasing firewood, building materials or outdoor equipment and decor, inspect before bringing any of it home.

What do I do if I find a spotted lanternfly, step-by-step?

1. Photograph.
2. Note the location, date and time.
3. Capture it in a jar and put it in the freezer.
4. Find your state’s resource page to see if it’s a known resident or new to the area.
5. If it’s known in your area, kill it and notify your state official.
   If it’s new to your area, leave the jar in the freezer and notify your state contact, who may want the sample.

Your state may have specific instructions that differ from the above. Those in active quarantine zones will likely have further management instructions.

How do I find out if spotted lanternflies have made it to my area?

Check your state’s Department of Agriculture page. Cornell maintains a frequently updated set of US maps showing infestations, quarantines and reported sightings.

What does it mean if a county has a quarantine?

On a practical level for individuals, it means two things:

1. That residents of the county are required to inspect vehicles and goods and destroy any discovered insects before moving in — or leaving — the quarantine area.
2. That visitors to the quarantined county should be extra vigilant in inspecting for spotted lanternflies on any stuff they are bringing home, destroying any insects they find before leaving the area!

Resources for further information

Learn about the federal response to the spotted lanternfly on the USDA’s dedicated page.

Find your state’s designated contact on the USDA’s page and use that link to report a spotted lanternfly sighting.

Track the spotted lanternfly’s activity by visiting Cornell’s handy set of US maps, showing infestations, quarantines and reported sightings.

Help researchers who are studying what’s eating the spotted lanternfly in the US by snapping a pic of the meal and posting it on iNaturalist.

Learn more by visiting Penn State Extension’s spotted lanternfly page. PSU scientists have been following the spotted lanternfly since its arrival in this country, and the site has a wealth of useful information, including (but not in any way limited to):

• A table of plant hosts with times of year and life stage
• Instructions for making a circle trap and instructions for making a sticky band trap with a wildlife barrier
• How homeowners can use an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to treatment.