Spotted Lantern Fly Treatment
Our comprehensive treatment process focuses on addressing each life cycle to include treating and removing egg masses before insects emerge.
Why Should I Treat for Spotted Lantern Flies?
Since the spotted lanternflies are not native to the U.S., they can harm our ecosystem at every stage of their life cycle. As an invasive pest, they threaten agriculture, timber, and the health of backyard plants. After feeding on plants. spotted lanternflies excrete excess sap as a liquid waste called honeydew, which can damage plants and attract ants, yellow jackets, wasps and other sugar-loving insects. Over time, honeydew can build up and lead to a sooty mold which can appear on plants or other structures, such as fences and outdoor furniture.
Our Treatment Process:
- Inspection & Treatment: Identify and treat opportunity areas, remove any egg masses discovered.
- Routine Treatment Plan.
Lifecycle of the
Spotted Lantern Fly
The average lifespan of a Spotted Lanternfly is actually only 7 to 10 days, and during its short life, this insect goes through several significant changes. In the current infestations, the Spotted Lanternfly has been shown to typically have just one generation per year, consisting of four nymphal stages (3 early and 1 late), an adult stage, and overwintering as egg masses. Being true insects, spotted lanternflies molt to progress between stages.
Beginning in September, female Lanternflies begin to lay one or two batches of eggs. Each batch may contain anywhere between 30 to 50 eggs (sometimes over 100) which are deposited in rows, which are then covered by secretion from her body which looks very mud-like. Over time, this waxy covering dries up and may begin to crack (which is normal). Occasionally, the female may not cover all eggs with the secretion.
Eggs may hatch over an extended period of time, with the first instar nymphs appearing in May and June. Mating takes place starting in late August with egg-laying taking place in September through November or until the first killing freeze.
How Spotted Lantern Flies Hurt Your Plants & Property
Some types of insect pests only hurt plants in a single stage of their lives. But spotted lanternflies don’t fall in that category — they’re bad at every stage. These harmful, invasive insects hatch from eggs in spring and immediately start damaging all types of landscape plants and important crops. (Grape vineyards are especially hard hit.)
Young spotted lanternflies, called nymphs, use their piercing mouthparts to puncture tender, soft plant tissue. Then they suck out vital plant juices from young seedlings and soft-stemmed, non-woody plants.
As spotted lanternflies mature, those piercing mouthparts get stronger — so strong they can pierce thick tree bark. Their damage multiplies as these pests show up in swarms.
For many people in states where spotted lanternflies moved in, outdoor entertainment and backyard get-togethers are a thing of the past. Thousands of spotted lanternfly nymphs and adults can swarm into yards, blanketing trees and other plants as they feed.
Affected trees and plants are left weak and damaged, with sap oozing from their wounds. If damage is extensive, trees and plants may struggle and die.
When spotted lanternflies arrive, surfaces near or under their feeding spots are totally disrupted. After feeding, these pests excrete a sticky substance called honeydew on anything nearby.
In badly affected areas, homeowners find their sidewalks, driveways, patios and jungle gyms covered in the gooey waste. And, as with honeydew from insects like scale and aphids, the mess draws more unwelcome pests, including ants and aggressive yellow jackets. Next, a black sooty mold takes over and leaves your favorite outdoor spots covered in powdery mold.
For Pest Solutions - Skeeter Fighters Has You Covered!
Skeeter Fighters is a full serviced pest control in Maryland & D.C.
We offer affordable prices, and top of the line service for both residential and commercial.
by J. Chappell on Skeeter Fighters
"I seriously cannot recommend this company enough! They are amazing! We can actually enjoy being in our yard again. My only regret is that I didn't do this sooner!"