Professional Spotted Lanternfly Treatment Services in New Jersey

Spotted lanternflies are fairly easy to recognize, but understanding their life stages will help you spot them early. Adult spotted lanternflies have gray wings with black spots, while their hind wings are red and black. In late summer, these adults can often be seen feeding on host trees of all shapes and sizes. Early in the spotted lanternfly life cycle, nymphs are black with white spots and later turn red before becoming adults.

Lanternfly nymphs are active in the warmer months and feed on vulnerable plants like black walnut and other trees. You might also notice spotted lanternfly egg masses on tree trunks or other surfaces like lawn furniture. They lay eggs in late fall, and these egg masses appear as gray, mud-like spots. As the eggs hatch, more spotted lanternflies eat tree sap and infest your property.

It’s crucial to catch a spotted lanternfly infestation early. One of the first signs is spotting egg masses on your property. These egg masses can be found on tree trunks, lawn furniture, and even outdoor furniture. In early fall, female spotted lanternflies lay eggs in clusters covered by a grayish coating. You might also observe feeding activity on your plants, particularly on host trees like fruit trees or hardwood trees.

Spotted lanternflies feed on plant sap, which can cause plant health to decline. If you notice tree roots weakening or see the presence of sooty mold, this could indicate spotted lanternfly feeding. The sugary substance left behind from feeding can damage trees and plants. Infested trees may even die due to the stress caused by the feeding. Keep an eye out for circle traps and tree banding, which property owners often use to prevent adult spotted lanternflies from climbing host trees.