How to Get Rid of Spotted Lanternflies: What You Need to Know

Understanding how to get rid of lanternflies is essential for protecting your trees and landscape from the rapid spread of this invasive pest. Spotted lanternflies are now prevalent throughout New England and continue to expand across multiple states in the Northeast and Midwest, raising concern among homeowners and communities alike. Although small, these insects inflict significant and cumulative stress on vegetation weakening trees, attracting secondary pests and causing extensive lantern fly damage that can impact the long-term health of your property.

Spotted lanternflies move through several life stages with distinct characteristics. Early nymphs are black with bright white spots, eventually developing red patches as they mature. Adult lanternflies display gray wings with black spots and vibrant red hind wings, measuring about one inch in wingspan. Both nymphs and adults feed on plant sap. While nymphs target tender new growth, adults feed on trunks and mature branches. Their honeydew, a sticky, sugary byproduct, promotes mold growth and attracts other insects, leaving behind a stubborn mess familiar to many homeowners. 

Most egg masses are deposited high in the tree canopy, making them difficult to see and even harder to remove. Fewer than five percent occur at ground level or in easily accessible locations. Lanternflies prefer sheltered surfaces that protect their eggs from rain, wind and harsh weather, often choosing:

• Undersides of branches
• Bark crevices
• Leeward sides of tree trunks
• Sheltered areas beneath fence rails or equipment

Because lanternflies spread rapidly, many homeowners ask, where do lantern flies come from? Spotted lanternflies originate from Asia and were first detected in the United States in 2014. Their spread has accelerated due to their ability to hitch rides on vehicles, shipments, firewood and outdoor materials. Understanding where lantern flies come from underscores the importance of regular inspection and preventing accidental transport. 

If you find egg masses, contacting a professional is the most effective first step. Professionals are equipped to assess the infestation and understand how to kill lantern flies at every stage of development. It may also be helpful to notify your state Department of Agriculture if spotted lanternflies are new to your area. One of the most common and effective treatments is horticultural oil applied between late fall and early spring. This suffocates egg masses and significantly reduces springtime hatching.

Scraping egg masses can help but is limited due to the majority being out of reach. While scraping supports population management, it should be used as a supplemental strategy rather than the primary method.

If you choose to scrape, follow these steps:

1. Use a flat, straight-edged tool such as a plastic card or putty knife.
2. Scrape egg masses into a container filled with rubbing alcohol.
3. Shake vigorously and soak for several hours.

Eggs can be crushed, but any remaining intact eggs may still hatch. Precision and thoroughness are crucial. 

Currently, complete eradication of spotted lanternflies in the United States is not realistic. They have few natural predators in this region, although birds and spiders occasionally feed on them. Their reproductive capability, combined with their ability to spread through human movement, makes total elimination highly unlikely.

Instead, management focuses on suppression, prevention and early detection. A professional team that can identify egg masses, recognize signs of lantern fly damage and apply treatments at the appropriate times offers the best line of defense.

Many homeowners wonder whether they should kill lanternflies, especially when first learning about their growing presence across the U.S. The short answer is: yes. Controlling lanternfly populations is important for protecting the environment. Although they may seem harmless at first glance, the broader impact tells a different story.

Spotted lanternflies cause extensive damage by feeding on a wide range of trees, crops and ornamental plants. This feeding weakens vegetation, disrupts natural ecosystems and threatens agricultural industries that rely on healthy, productive plants. Because of their rapid reproduction and mobility, they also spread easily across counties and states, raising ongoing questions like: where do lantern flies come from and how quickly they can establish new infestations?

So, are lantern flies dangerous? Not to humans directly but absolutely dangerous to trees, vineyards, orchards and landscapes. This is why experts, including state departments of agriculture, recommend taking action against them. Learning how to get rid of lantern flies and understanding how to kill them responsibly helps minimize their impact and protects valuable plant life.

While individuals can help by removing egg masses, reporting sightings and following state guidelines, professional treatment remains the most effective way to reduce populations and limit damage.