The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive insect from Asia that was first discovered in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014.
The spotted lanternfly feeds on trees using a piercing-sucking mouthpart that taps into the plant like a straw. As it feeds on the plant, it excretes a honeydew substance which can create a black, sooty mold that attracts nuisance insects such as ants and wasps.
The trees can sustain damage and start to decline, ultimately resulting in the tree’s death. The PA Department of Agriculture has been conducting studies and trial treatments on the best way to control this insect.
The following are known to be some of the susceptible trees that spotted lanternflies feed on:
• Maple
• Birch
• Apple
• Cherry
• Plum
• Willow
• Tree -of- Heaven
• Walnut
• Sumac
Spotted lanternflies are controlled by treating select trees with a systemic insecticide that will translocate through the tree. Once lanternflies feed on the trees, they will die. We treat infestations with a contact insecticide. Two systemic treatments will be done to protect the trees through the feeding season.