Sasha CampbellIn recent years, spotted lanternflies have spread across various agricultural and industrial sectors in the United States. They were first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 and quickly became a serious agricultural pest [1].
At first, you might think they are butterflies or moths because they look attractive. But don’t let their looks fool you! These insects can cause significant damage. As a result, learning how to get rid of them is crucial.
Spotted lanternflies feed on the sap of dozens of plant species, including grapevines, fruit trees, ornamental plants, and hardwood trees.
Additionally, they leave behind a trail of honeydew, which can attract even more pests. The sticky liquid can also cause staining.
In some areas, spotted lanternflies (SLF) are controlled organically by predators, such as birds that prey on them. Homeowners and gardeners are increasingly using organic control methods to help manage infestations.
How to Get Rid of Lanternflies Naturally
1. Scrape Off the Eggs
Female spotted lanternflies typically begin laying eggs in late summer and fall.
During this time, females lay 30 to 50 eggs [2]. These eggs will survive the winter unless they are destroyed.
The eggs look like gray or tan patches of dried mud. You may find them on tree bark, fences, walls, outdoor furniture, and other hard surfaces.
To get rid of spotted lanternfly eggs, use a scraper or any other flat-edged tool to scrape them off.
You can then place the scraped eggs in a sealed bag or container filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, then dispose of the container.
2. Insecticidal Soap
You can spray insecticidal soap directly on adult lanternflies or on nymphs, which are the baby stage.
Spraying insecticidal soap directly on lanternflies can kill nymphs and adults that come into contact with it.
3. Vacuum Them
A vacuum cleaner can help remove lanternflies from your home or garden. After vacuuming, seal the insects in a bag and throw the bag in the trash.
Sweep up any dead insects remaining without crushing them. Drop survivors into a soapy solution to avoid staining and mold-forming sticky residue.
4. Control the Tree of Heaven
One of the spotted lanternfly’s preferred host plants is the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) [3].
Trimming or removing these trees can help with current issues. It also reduces the risk of future infestations.
5. Hand-Picking and Stomping
Spotted lanternflies are often easy to spot on trees, fences, and other outdoor surfaces.
Although they can jump quickly, they usually jump a few times before flying away. This makes it possible to catch or crush them.
Wear gloves and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. You can also step on them.
Regularly removing nymphs and adults can lower local populations. This is especially helpful in small yards and gardens.
6. Soap and Water
A homemade lanternfly spray, consisting of liquid soap and water, is another simple way to control spotted lanternflies. Dawn dish soap works fine; however, we use organic soap in all our recipes.
Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of liquid soap with 1 gallon of water. Spray it directly on the insects.
The soap damages their outer covering and can kill them.
7. Neem Oil
Neem oil may be more effective against young nymphs than adults. It can disrupt feeding and development, potentially weakening or killing some lanternflies.
Many commercially available products contain neem oil that can be used as a spray right away. Alternatively, you can make a DIY neem oil solution.
A simple homemade spotted lanternfly spray recipe consists of 4 teaspoons of neem oil, 2 teaspoons of liquid soap, and 1 gallon of water. Spray the critters directly.
8. Remove Wild Host Plants
Spotted lanternflies feed on many different plants. Reducing nearby host plants can make your property less attractive to them.
In addition to removing invasive tree-of-heaven trees, consider removing unwanted grapevines and other weedy vegetation. These can serve as feeding sites for these pests.
Keeping your yard clean and trimmed can also reduce places where they hide and lay eggs.
9. Sticky Wraps
Sticky wraps can trap these pests as they climb tree trunks. You can also control nymphs as they journey to foliage by banding trees with sticky wrap.
These wraps have received negative press due to their potential to harm butterflies and birds. However, covering them with chicken wire minimizes these dangers.
Successful banding can reduce the number of lanternflies that reach feeding and breeding sites. This disrupts their life cycle.
You can purchase sticky bands at your local gardening store.
10. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth kills many bugs and insects by dehydrating them. When the pests come into contact with it, it slowly dries them out.
Therefore, sprinkle a thin layer where lanternflies gather or travel. Try not to apply it to flowers, as it can also affect helpful insects.
You can purchase high-quality DE online or at most garden stores.
11. Circle Traps
Circle traps are among the most effective non-chemical methods for controlling spotted lanternflies.
These traps are installed around tree trunks. They capitalize on the insects’ natural behavior to crawl upward while searching for food.
As the lanternflies climb, they enter a funnel-shaped trap and become trapped in a collection bag.
Unlike sticky bands, circle traps are less likely to capture birds, butterflies, and other beneficial wildlife.
You can get commercial circle traps or create your own. For a homemade lanternfly trap, use screening, wire or cable, and a collection bag.
This DIY method is often called an SLF circle trap. This video demonstrates a more professional approach.
12. Encourage Natural Predators
Various animals have been seen feeding on spotted lanternflies. This behavior helps to reduce their population naturally.
Birds such as chickens, turkeys, and some wild songbirds may consume nymphs and adults. Praying mantises, spiders, wheel bugs, and certain predatory insects have also been seen feeding on them.
You can encourage these beneficial predators by avoiding broad-spectrum pesticides. You can also plant a variety of native plants and maintain a habitat that supports wildlife.
Predators alone will not eliminate an infestation, but they help with long-term natural control.
13. Kaolin Clay
Kaolin clay is a naturally occurring mineral. It can help protect plants from spotted lanternflies by creating a barrier.
When sprayed on leaves and stems, it forms a thin white coating that makes it harder for insects to feed.
Mix the product according to the label directions and thoroughly coat susceptible plants. Reapply after heavy rain.
Kaolin clay usually doesn’t kill lanternflies. However, it can discourage them from feeding and lower plant damage.
Takeaway
There are many natural ways to address harmful pest problems.
The methods above can help reduce spotted lanternfly populations and protect susceptible plants without relying heavily on synthetic pesticides.
Thank you! Very helpful