JULY BLOG: The Spotted Lantern Fly
The Spotted Lanternfly: A Baltimore Backyard Invader
The spotted lanternfly (SLF) has become a familiar sight in Baltimore, Maryland, since its unwelcome arrival in 2018. This brightly colored insect with a taste for our trees has many Baltimore residents wondering: should I be worried?
Fear Not, They Don’t Bite!
The good news is that spotted lanternflies are not a threat to humans or pets. They lack the biting or stinging equipment found in some insects. Their main concern lies in their potential to damage our plants and trees.
A Plant Hopper, Not a Friend
Spotted lanternflies are actually leafhoppers, piercing plant stems to feed on sap. While they don’t directly kill trees, their feeding weakens them and can make them more susceptible to diseases. Additionally, they excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold, further harming plants.
Predators to the Rescue!
There is a glimmer of hope in the fight against the spotted lanternfly. Several predators native to the US, including praying mantises and assassin bugs, are developing a taste for this invasive species.
Unwelcome Houseguests?
While spotted lanternflies prefer to be outdoors feasting on trees, they can sometimes find their way indoors, especially when attracted to light at night. If you find one inside, the easiest solution is to simply catch it and release it outdoors (far from your trees!).
Spot the Spotted Lanternfly
Knowing what to look for is key in the battle against the spotted lanternfly. Adults are about 1 inch long and have grey, black, and red wing markings. They also have a distinctive red patch on their hind legs that’s visible when they hop.
Fascinating Facts About the Spotted Lanternfly
● They can jump impressive distances, up to 40 times their body length! ● Spotted lanternflies are not strong fliers, relying on hopping for most movement. ● During mating season, males produce a clicking sound to attract females.
Can hiring a Pest Control company Help?
While complete eradication from your entire property might be difficult, a licensed pest control company can help manage spotted lanternfly populations and protect your valuable trees. They can use targeted treatments to control nymphs and adult lanternflies.
Together We Can SLAY the Spotted Lanternfly!
The best defense against the spotted lanternfly is a combination of awareness and action. By learning to identify them, reporting sightings to the Maryland Department of Agriculture (https://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Pages/spotted-lantern-fly.aspx), and taking steps to control their populations, Baltimore residents can help minimize the impact of this invasive species.
Will the Spotted Lantern Fly ever go away?
Unfortunately, the outlook for completely eliminating the spotted lanternfly isn’t great. Experts believe it’s likely here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future. Here’s why:
● Established Populations: Since their arrival in 2018, spotted lanternflies have established themselves in several states on the East Coast, including Maryland. Their ability to lay large numbers of eggs and hitch rides on vehicles makes them difficult to contain.
● Lack of Natural Predators: In their native Asian habitat, spotted lanternflies have natural predators that keep their populations in check. However, these predators are not present in North America, allowing the lanternfly population to boom.
● Climate Suitability: The climate in the eastern US seems to agree with spotted lanternflies. They can survive our winters and find plenty of suitable food sources.
However, this doesn’t mean we have to give up hope! Here are some reasons for optimism:
● Management Techniques: Researchers are constantly developing new methods to manage spotted lanternfly populations. These include targeted insecticides, traps, and the introduction of specific predators from their native range.
● Public Awareness: The more people are aware of the spotted lanternfly, the better equipped we are to fight them. By reporting sightings and taking steps to control them on our own properties, we can slow their spread.
● Adaptability: While they may not completely disappear, native predators might eventually adapt to include spotted lanternflies in their diet, helping to regulate their numbers.
So, while eradication might not be feasible at this point, we can definitely work towards managing spotted lanternfly populations and minimizing their impact on our environment.
What does the Spotted Lantern Fly eat?
The spotted lanternfly is an opportunistic eater with a preference for sugary tree sap. Their diet can vary depending on their life stage:
● Nymphs (immature stage): Early instar nymphs, the smallest ones, tend to have a broader feeding range. They’ll feed on a wider variety of plants, including ornamentals, vegetables, and even some non-woody plants.
● Adults: As they mature, spotted lanternflies develop a fondness for certain trees. Their favorite is the aptly named Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), an invasive species itself. Adults also favor other trees like black walnut, maple varieties (especially silver maple), willows, and fruit trees.
Here’s a breakdown of their feeding habits:
● Plant sap: Their piercing-sucking mouthparts allow them to tap into a plant’s vascular system and extract nutritious sap. This sap provides them with essential sugars and amino acids.
● Not picky eaters: While they have favorites, spotted lanternflies will feed on over 70 different plant species if their preferred options aren’t available.
● Honeydew producers: As they feed, spotted lanternflies excrete a sugary substance called honeydew. This can attract other insects and promote the growth of sooty mold, further harming the plants.
While they may weaken trees and make them more susceptible to disease, spotted lanternflies are not directly killing most trees (except for grapes). Their true damage lies in their potential to
Are Spotted Lantern Flies Danergous for my health?
No, spotted lanternflies are not dangerous for your health. Here’s why:
● No Biting or Stinging: They lack the mouthparts needed for biting or stinging humans or pets. Their feeding apparatus is designed solely for sucking plant sap. ● No Known Toxins: Spotted lanternflies don’t carry any diseases or toxins that can harm humans. While there have been some anecdotal reports of them causing skin irritation, this isn’t a well-documented phenomenon and likely not a widespread risk.
However, even though they aren’t a direct health threat, spotted lanternflies can be a nuisance. Their large numbers and the sticky honeydew they excrete can be unpleasant to deal with. Additionally, the presence of large populations can attract stinging insects like wasps and bees, which could pose a greater risk.
Are Spotted Lantern Flies dangerous for my pet?
The danger spotted lanternflies pose to pets is a bit debatable. Here’s a breakdown of what we currently know:
● No Bites or Stings: Just like with humans, spotted lanternflies don’t bite or sting pets. Their mouthparts are for sucking plant sap, not puncturing skin.
● Unconfirmed Toxicity: There’s no scientific evidence to suggest spotted lanternflies are inherently poisonous to pets.
● Potential Stomach Upset: Some anecdotal reports and veterinarian observations suggest that pets who eat spotted lanternflies might experience mild digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea. This could be due to the insect itself or the plant sap they’ve been feeding on.
● Best to Avoid: Since they aren’t a natural part of a pet’s diet, it’s best to discourage your furry friend from eating spotted lanternflies.
Here are some takeaways for pet owners:
● Monitor Your Pet: Be aware of your pet’s behavior, especially if they’re curious and likely to chase or eat spotted lanternflies.
● Discourage Consumption: If you see your pet trying to eat a spotted lanternfly, try to distract them or gently remove the insect.
● Consult a Vet if Concerned: If your pet exhibits any concerning symptoms after potentially eating a spotted lanternfly, play it safe and consult your veterinarian.
Remember, information on spotted lanternflies is still evolving. If you have any concerns or questions, it’s always best to consult a reliable source like your veterinarian or your local extension office.
Why is it so hard to kill the Spotted Lantern Fly?
There are a few reasons why killing spotted lanternfly nymphs can be more challenging than killing adults:
● Size and Stealth: Nymphs are much smaller than adults, making them harder to see and target with insecticides. Their early instars (first few stages) are particularly tiny, easily blending into foliage.
● Shorter Lifespan: Nymphs only exist for a few months before molting into adults. This limited window means there’s less time for control measures to take effect. ● Feeding Habits: Early instar nymphs tend to feed on a wider variety of plants, often lower on the plant where they’re less exposed to insecticides typically sprayed on tree trunks.
● Protective Covering: Some nymph stages may have a waxy coating that offers a degree of protection from insecticides.
Here’s a breakdown of the challenges by nymph stage:
● Early Instar Nymphs: These tiny black nymphs with white spots are incredibly difficult to spot. Additionally, they may not have yet developed a taste for the Tree of Heaven (a favorite food source for adults), making them even harder to target with specific controls.
● Later Instar Nymphs: As they mature, nymphs become larger and easier to see. However, they may still be feeding on lower parts of plants, making them less susceptible to sprays aimed at adult lanternflies on tree trunks.
Here are some tips for controlling spotted lanternfly nymphs:
● Monitor Your Trees: Regularly inspect your trees, especially the undersides of leaves and lower branches, for signs of nymphs.
● Scrape and Squish: For small numbers of nymphs, the simplest method might be to manually remove them from your plants and squish them.
● Insecticidal Soap Sprays: Soapy water sprays can be effective against nymphs, especially young ones. However, ensure you target the nymphs directly and avoid harming beneficial insects.
● Natural Predators: Encourage natural predators like praying mantises and assassin bugs in your garden. These beneficial insects can help control nymph populations.
Remember, the key to managing spotted lanternflies is a combination of awareness, early intervention, and a multi-pronged approach. By staying informed and taking action, you can help minimize the impact of these invasive insects on your property.
What are the best tips to see less of the Spotted Lantern fly in my yard and around the outside of my home?
Here are some of the best tips to see fewer spotted lanternflies in your yard and around your home:
Reduce Their Food Source:
● Target the Tree of Heaven: If you have a Tree of Heaven on your property, consider removing it. This is their favorite food source and eliminating it will significantly reduce their attraction to your yard. Important Note: Always check local regulations before removing trees, as there might be permits or restrictions involved.
● Prune Other Preferred Trees: Regularly prune susceptible trees like maples and black walnut to remove weak or dead branches. This reduces the feeding ground for spotted lanternflies.
Disrupt Their Life Cycle:
● Scrape Egg Masses: During winter, scrape off any egg masses you find on the undersides of branches or other surfaces. These look like brownish-gray, scaly patches and removing them helps prevent the next generation from hatching.
● Use Sticky Traps: Place special sticky bands around tree trunks to trap nymphs and adult lanternflies as they climb.
Encourage Natural Predators:
● Attract Beneficial Insects: Plant native flowers and shrubs that attract ladybugs, praying mantises, assassin bugs, and other beneficial insects that prey on spotted lanternflies.
● Create Habitat for Birds: Provide nesting boxes and bird feeders to attract birds that might include spotted lanternflies in their diet.
Be Vigilant and Eliminate Adults:
● Check for Adults: During the summer months, regularly inspect your property for adult spotted lanternflies. Look for them on tree trunks, around firewood piles, or even on your patio furniture.
● Manual Removal: If you see individual adults, you can simply remove them by hand and squish them. Wear gloves if you prefer.
● Insecticide Options: For larger populations, consider using targeted insecticides labeled specifically for spotted lanternflies. Always follow the instructions on the label carefully and prioritize methods that minimize harm to beneficial insects.
Report Sightings:
● Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on local recommendations for spotted lanternfly control. You can find resources from your state’s Department of Agriculture or extension office.
● Report Sightings: If you discover spotted lanternflies on your property, report them to the appropriate authorities. This helps track their spread and allows officials to implement better control strategies.
By following these tips and working together with your community, you can significantly reduce the spotted lanternfly population in your yard and contribute to the fight against this invasive species. Remember, consistency and a multi-pronged approach are key to success.
Do Spotted Lantern Flies help get rid of Mosquitoes?
No, spotted lanternflies do not help get rid of mosquitoes. In fact, they don’t interact with mosquitoes in any way that would benefit humans. Here’s why:
● Different Niches: Spotted lanternflies are herbivores, feeding primarily on plant sap. Mosquitoes, on the other hand, are blood-sucking insects that target animals, including humans. Their diets and preferred habitats don’t overlap much.
● Competition is More Likely: If anything, spotted lanternflies might compete with mosquitoes for resources. Both insects seek sugary fluids, and in some cases, spotted lanternflies might outcompete mosquitoes for access to certain plant sap, indirectly reducing mosquito populations. However, this isn’t a guaranteed or reliable outcome.
Overall, spotted lanternflies are not a natural enemy or predator of mosquitoes. They mind their own business (plant sap) and don’t play a role in mosquito control.
