Spotted Lantern Fly Homeowners Guide

The spotted lantern fly, a leafhopper, has emerged and is currently in the nymph stage (June-September) in central Jersey. Although the insect is not harmful to humans, it does damage to trees and some food crops, and is a general nuisance. Known host plants include Tree-of-Heaven (Alianthus altissima), Red Maple, Black Walnut, Grapes, Hops and more than 70 other species.

Native to China, India and Vietnam, the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycarma delicatula) was introduced to the Eastern United States in September 2014. Since that time, the insect has spread from Pennsylvania to New Jersey and beyond and is still on the move. Within the insects’ native range, predators keep the Spotted Lanternfly under control. In the US, however, the lack of natural predators as well as an abundance of preferred host pants have allowed populations of Spotted Lanternfly to reach unprecedented levels. This has led to significant damage to trees, a growing threat to agricultural crops and a nuisance in the landscape.

Along with the physical damage these insects cause, they secrete a sticky substance, called “honeydew”, which spreads over anything underneath the attacked tree. Surfaces covered with honeydew will subsequently be covered in a black sooty mold.

Adults and nymphs feed by sucking sap from the leaves and stems of their host plants. This feeding creates oozing wounds and leaves a foul odor. Weakened plants are open to attack from other pests and diseases.

Control Measures

Physical: (November – March) Scrape and destroy egg masses

Environmental – Remove tree-of-/heaven and other susceptible species

Chemical – Foliar cover sprays, Trunk & limb cover spray, Transtect bark spray, and/or tree injections. Consult a professional tree expert for advice.