While the Spotted Lanternfly will NOT sting or bite humans or animals, it can be a significant nuisance, affecting our quality of life and enjoyment of the outdoors. The SLF feeds on the sap of many different hardwood trees and agricultural crops, including grapevines, maples, black walnuts and others. The feeding damage significantly stresses the plants, many of which are important to NJ.

The insect also excretes honeydew (a sugary substance) while it feeds, which can attract bees, wasps, and other insects. The honeydew also builds up and promotes the growth of fungi, which can cover the plant, patio furniture, cars, and anything else found below where the SLF is feeding.

What you can do:

• Remove Host Trees
  • Spotted Lanternflies prefer the ailanthus tree, also known as “Tree of Heaven.” If possible, remove these trees from your property.
• Remove and destroy any SLF’s you find
  • Crush nymphs and adult insects.
  • If you see egg masses, scrape them off, double bag them and throw away. You can also place the eggs into alcohol, bleach or hand sanitizer to kill them.
• Tree Wraps
  • There are two commonly used trap types for SLF. These are very effective against the nymphs as they move up and down and between plants.
  • Commercially available sticky bands plus chicken wire can be banded around tree trunks.
  • Circle trunk traps are also very effective. These are available to purchase online or can be made at home.
• Home Remedies
  • There are many natural remedies that reportedly kill lanternflies on contact.
  • White vinegar in a spray bottle is suggested to kill lanternflies almost instantly.
  • Equal amounts of Dawn dish soap and water in a spray bottle is also an option to kill both live lanternflies and lanternfly eggs. Clean the dead bugs and eggs after use to avoid mold.
• Insecticides
  • Many commonly available insecticides have been found to be effective against SLF. Efficacy, residual activity, and toxicity vary between products. We recommend trying the least toxic options first.
  • Some extermination companies can also help with SLF.

For more information on the Spotted Lanternfly visit www.nj.gov/agriculture. You can also download a flier that contains all of the information above.